Accra, Dec. 1, GNA -- Sixteen members of a faction in a chieftaincy and land litigation at Kokrobite, near Accra, who allegedly rioted, attacked and wounded some members of the opposing faction, were on Thursday arraigned at a circuit court in Accra.

Twelve of the accused persons who appeared in court pleaded not guilty to two counts of rioting, contrary to the criminal code Act 29 section 199 and causing unlawful harm and were granted bail in various sums ranging between 50 million and 10 million cedis with one surety each, to re-appear on December 20.

The court presided over by Mrs Elizabeth Adusei bonded the twelve in their own cognisance to be of good behaviour until the case is disposed of. They will each go to jail for six month in default. The court also ordered the arrest of their four accomplices including one Akuatse, to be arraigned alongside the 12 on Dec. 20. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr A Boye told the court that all the accused persons belonged to one faction in a long standing chieftaincy and land litigation at Kokrobite.

He said on November 4, this year, the accused persons wielding guns, cutlasses, sticks and other offensive weapons attacked and threatened to kill one Sabaa Asumani, a resident of the community without any provocation.

DSP Boye said the following day the accused persons resumed their hostilities with an attack on Amartei Quashie, also a resident; hit him on the head with a cudgel inflicting a deep cut on his skull. The victim was rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for medical attention 93at the verge of death=94, the prosecutor added.