Crime & Punishment of Thursday, 6 May 2010

Source: GNA

Two nabbed as Court adjourns Nana Darkwa's case

Accra, May 6, GNA - The Police on Thursday nabbed two men for possessing a knife and other implements when they turned up in the Court trying Nana Darkwa Baafi, a radio commentator. Nana Darkwa is said to have accused former President Jerry John Rawlings of burning his Ridge residence.

The two whose names were not made known, were put in a Police vehicle parked at the Cocoa Affairs Court.

Following reports of pockets of violence whenever the case was called, the Police detailed personnel to the court yard to enforce law and order. As part of the checks, people entering the yard were subjected to body search. Luck however eluded the two men when they were searched. The case of Nana Darkwa Baafi was however adjourned to May 28, this month. The trial judge announced in court that the prosecution had informed him that he had lost contact with the investigator in the case. The accused has been charged with publishing false news with the intent to cause fear and alarm in violation of the criminal Act 208. Nana Darkwa, has however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In February this year, one Ishmael and the accused were contributing to a discussion programme on Top Radio, a local FM station where the accused made a statement that former President J.J. Rawlings intentionally burnt his Ridge residence because he wanted a replacement.

Nana Darkwa was arrested by personnel from the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters, after a complaint by Mr Kofi Adams, Spokesperson for Former President Rawlings.

The Police rushed to the station to protect lives and property during which the panelists were whisked away to safety. When Nana Darkwa was interrogated at the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters, he admitted the offence and asked for forgiveness. 6 May 10