Judges criticise Police investigators

Accra, Oct. 22, GNA - A Circuit Court judge, Mr Iddrisu Mahamadu on Wednesday expressed concern about the mode of investigations carried out by some police investigators. He said investigations were the fulcrum of prosecution and that they should be cogent.

The trial judge said this when Xolali Seku, a driver, was put before him for possessing narcotic drugs without lawful authority. He noted that in Seku's case investigations carried out by the police were not cogent and facts did not march charges. The trial judge noted that the senior police officers who took part in the swoop had not offered any statements and condemned officials who abused power. Police said the quantity of wrapped dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were found behind the window of the accused when the police conducted a swoop at Robert Motors, near Pig farm, on July 20, last year.

The accused who was seen emerging from the bathroom was arrested and he has since been on remand. According to the Police, Seku during police investigations, mentioned one Kobby as the owner of the said dried leaves. The judge said he would have commenced hearing into the matter immediately if he was not due to proceed on leave. According to the judge he would have admitted Seku to bail but "because in the latter part of the facts of the Police, Seku was said to have mentioned Kobby, now at large as the owner of the drugs." But Seku after pleading not guilty to the offence explained that Kobby was known to be someone who dealt in narcotic drugs even before he came to reside in the area.

According to Seku, he and Kobby had fought over the drug issue hence he mentioning Kobby's name to the Police. The court adjourned the matter to October 29. The case as presented by Chief Inspector R.K Dzogbeti are that Police were informed that some people had been smoking Indian hemp and harassing people at a spot behind Robert Motors in Pig farm. On July 20, last year at about 7:15 am, the Police patrol team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr George Opoku organised a swoop at the place during which the team found quantity of wrapped dried leaves behind the window of Seku. When the team followed up to the house, they found Seku emerging from the bathroom and arrested him. During police interrogation he denied ownership of the drugs and mentioned Kobby as the owner. Seku was therefore arrested.