Lawyer for prophet who threatened EC boss drags IGP, BNI, others to court

Counsel for the pastor who has been arrested for allegedly making threats on the life of the EC Chairperson has hauled the BNI, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney-General, among other state institutions to court for his inability to get access to his client.

Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu is convinced that there is a deliberate attempt by the state institutions and personalities to deny him access to Apostle Kwabena Owusu Adjei.

Apostle Owusu Agyei was arrested on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, by personnel of the National Security while he was granting a live interview at a hideout at Greda Estate in Accra.

During a Church Service on Facebook live on Sunday, the pastor allegedly warned the EC boss to stop the compilation of the new register.

He is said to have stated that if the EC boss, Jean Mensa, goes ahead with the voters’ registration, she will lose her life.

The National Security operatives arrested him after the alleged comments and subsequently found marijuana, a banned substance, on him - although sceptics believe it was planted.

Apostle Adjei, who is believed to be a supporter of the opposition NDC, is also alleged to have tested positive for Tramadol, a prescription drug that is commonly abused.

However, his lawyer, Mr Adawudu, in his writ to the court states that his client's rights have been abused since his arrest.

“In spite of the fact that the order of the Honourable Court was explicit, the operatives of the Respondents will not respect the order and also deny the Applicant the opportunity to have time and the facilities to prepare for this defence as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution.”

He adds that: “The National Security and BNI operatives have become notorious for unlawful behaviour by denying abiding citizen their liberties and flagrantly disregarding lawful orders and it is the duty of the Honourable Court to use its coercive power to whip these institutions in line and lead by example.”