Court denies counsel access to clients

An Accra District Court, presided over by Ms Efua Sackey, has adjourned to February 19, the case involving the alleged eight Nigerian pirates.

Police Sergeant Victor Dosoo, who held the brief for Chief Inspector Iddrisu Fuseini, told the court that the accused persons were not in court because of transportation difficulties.

Mr Uche Nwosu, the counsel for the accused persons, said the excuse of the prosecution should not be taken by the court.

He also told the court that the last time he saw his clients was during their first appearance.

“I have made efforts to see them but all proved futile,” he said.

Mr Nwosu complained to the court that the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) had asked him to seek Clearance from the Police authorities before having access to the accused persons.

He said the two security agencies were tossing him up and down, adding that the fundamental human rights of the accused persons were been denied.

The Counsel said the authorities were not granting families and friend’s access to visit the accused persons.

He said accused persons should not be treated as convicts, indicating even convicts have their rights.

“It is a gross violation of their fundamental human rights,” he added.

He, therefore, prayed the court for an order to enable the BNI and the Police authorities to seize further violation of their rights.

In response to the alleged violation of their rights, Sergeant Dosoo said the Counsel had to formally apply to the authorities to gain access to his clients, since it was a high profile case.

Ms Sackey said the court would grant that order if the treatment persisted at the next adjourned date.

The accused persons, whose plea were not taken, were charged for conspiracy to commit crime and piracy.

The case was adjourned to February 19.

The accused persons are Molih Williams, Molih Klinsman, Peggy Aki, Ebiyaibo Amos, David Jacobs, Apetimiyi Oyinie, Pinano Saniyo and Picolo John, all unemployed.