The trial of Safina Mohammed Adizatu, popularly known as Safina Diamond, who is accused of murdering her Canadian-based boyfriend, Frank Kofi Osei, is expected to begin on January 12, 2027, with the prosecution set to call its first witness before an Accra High Court.

The state is expected to present nine witnesses in the case, which dates back to July 2022, when the 37-year-old Ghanaian resident in Canada was found dead at Ashaley Botwe in Accra.

Safina, a former Level 100 Biological Science student at the University of Ghana, Legon, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge before a seven-member jury. She is currently on bail, according to previous court reports.

What happened to Frank Osei?

According to the prosecution's account, Osei was in Ghana on vacation when he visited Safina, with whom he was reportedly in an amorous relationship, at her apartment at Ashaley Botwe School Junction in Accra in July 2022.

The prosecution alleges that a misunderstanding occurred between the two, resulting in a struggle during which Osei was stabbed and strangled.

In an account presented to the court, prosecutors said Osei's body was subsequently left in the apartment before it was allegedly moved downstairs and placed near his vehicle.

The police received a report concerning the incident in the early hours of July 26, 2022. A patrol team was dispatched to the location, where officers found Osei's body lying face down near the driver's door of a white Toyota Tundra pickup.

The vehicle was later identified as belonging to the deceased.

Police investigations reportedly found bloodstains on a wall and traces of blood on the floor of Safina's apartment, despite the room having been cleaned. The prosecution said the findings suggested that the body had been dragged out of the apartment.

Safina was not at the scene when the police arrived. She was later traced to Obinim Junction, Ashaley Botwe, and arrested.

Safina's statements to police

The prosecution told the court that Safina initially stated during interrogation that she had stabbed Osei during a misunderstanding in her apartment at about 1:00 a.m. on July 25, 2022.

She reportedly changed her account later, saying she had left Osei in the apartment and returned to find him dead.

Investigators also reportedly recovered a knife believed to have been used in the stabbing from the apartment.

These accounts form part of the prosecution's case and are yet to be tested through the full trial. Safina has denied the murder charge.

What happened to the alleged accomplice?

Michael Fiifi Ampofo Arku, a technical officer who was initially arrested in connection with the case, was also implicated in the alleged movement of Osei's body.

According to the prosecution, Arku was contacted by Safina after the incident and travelled from Kumasi to Accra the following day.

He allegedly assisted in moving Osei's body from the apartment on the upper floor of the building to the pickup parked outside.

The prosecution further alleged that Safina gave Arku a bag containing items belonging to Osei and other materials she wanted to dispose of. Arku reportedly kept the bag and returned to Kumasi.

However, Arku was subsequently discharged following a recommendation from the Attorney-General's Department. Earlier reports indicated that he had provided an alibi, suggesting that he was not present when Osei was killed.

His reported involvement in moving the body does not, on its own, establish that he participated in the alleged killing.

Case has faced delays

The case has gone through several stages since the incident in 2022, including police investigations, committal proceedings and delays in preparing it for trial.

In October 2022, the prosecution told an Adentan District Court that it was awaiting the full autopsy report and other documents needed to prepare the case for the Attorney-General's advice.

In April 2023, the state secured a court order to obtain Safina's blood sample for DNA testing after prosecutors reported difficulties in obtaining the sample. Her lawyers disputed claims that she had caused delays in the process.

By August 2023, an Adentan District Court had committed Safina to stand trial at the High Court in Accra. During the committal proceedings, she maintained her innocence, saying she was not at home at the time of the incident.

The prosecution indicated at the time that it intended to call nine witnesses and tender 31 exhibits, including an autopsy report, knives, gloves, other items recovered during investigations and statements obtained from the accused.

The High Court subsequently empanelled a seven-member jury, but the trial did not proceed as initially scheduled. Further adjournments followed, including delays related to arrangements for the jury.

What to expect on January 12, 2027

The next major development is expected on January 12, 2027, when the state is scheduled to call its first witness before the Accra High Court.

The prosecution is expected to rely on witness testimony and evidence gathered during investigations to establish its case against Safina.

The defence will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution's evidence and present its position as the proceedings continue.

The trial will determine whether the prosecution can prove the murder charge against Safina beyond reasonable doubt. Until the court reaches a verdict, she remains presumed innocent.

The case has attracted public attention because of the circumstances surrounding Osei's death, the involvement of a university student, and the lengthy legal process since the incident.

With the first prosecution witness expected to testify in January 2027, attention will turn to the evidence presented in court and whether the proceedings will finally bring the case closer to a conclusion.

EA

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