One of the four contemnors accused of issuing death threats against justices of the Supreme Court in Ghana, Alistair Nelson, has told the apex court he is suffering from a disease called ‘kpokpogbligbli’, therefore, his comments should be blamed on the disease.

‘Kpokpogbligbli’ is an unknown disease that possesses a person’s body and controls what he says and does.

Meanwhile the Supreme Court of Ghana on Monday July 18 played in open court audiotapes which contained the threats issued by two radio pundits Godwin Ako Gunn and Alistair Nelson against justices of the apex court.

The two, who are standing trial for contempt, issued the threats on Accra-based pro-government Montie FM a few weeks ago. A third contemnor, Salifu Maase, aka, Mugabe, host of the show on which the threats were issued, is also before the court for the same offence.

Two tapes were played on the insistence of presiding judge Justice Sophia Akuffo, despite pleas from counsel for the contemnors George Loh, Nana Ato Dadzie and Martin Ampofo Agyei for them not to be played. Justice Akuffo said the tapes were evidence, which the court needed to listen to in delivering justice.

Mr Nelson and Mr Gunn told the court they were liable to the offence and expressed regret. Even though Mugabe also said he was liable to the offence, he had an explanation for his conduct.

Owners of the station, who were also summoned to court, pleaded for mercy for the contemnors saying they had been punished and made to apologise.