Prisoner escapes from trial

Tema (Greater Accra), 3rd November 99

The hunt is on for Afortey Odai, a prisoner at Nsawam Medium security prison bolted from the Team circuit tribunal where he was to stand trial for another offence of stealing on Tuesday.

Before the start of the trial Odai asked to see his brother who was also in the court room and was granted permission in the company of a warder whose name was given as Nkansah, Mr. Livingston Sanifu, a senior warder, told the press.

"After about thirty minutes when the warder and the prisoner did not return, I traced them to where they were sitting but was told they both left the tribunal", Mr. Sanafu said.

Later, Nkansah came to report that Odai who was not in handcuffs could not be found, Mr. Safanu said adding that a search has been mounted for Odai. He refused to say what crimes Odai has committed.

The tribunal chaired by Mr. R. C. Azumah advised Prison Warders to be careful when prisoners are entrusted to them.