The Accra High Court has denied Yahuza Osumanu, a self-proclaimed businessman charged with multiple counts of robbery and money laundering after the judge held that he would not avail himself due to the nature of offences and nature of evidence.
Yahuza Osumanu has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of robbery and money laundering.
He was charged and remanded into Police custody after robbing and assaulting former Second Lady, Matilda Amissah Arthur on April 16.
His lawyer, Paul Asigi Agariba on Thursday, May 16 while praying for bail for his client, assured the court that he would be present for all trials since there was no incentive for him to abscond.
“We implore your Ladyship to take no regard what for now has been filed by the prosecution against the accused applicant as those are matters for trial.
“In matters of confessions that have been filed allegedly coming from accused will only pass the test of admissibility when it came for trial.
“The accused shall always appear to stand trial at all times. He has no motivation of any incentive or power to decide not to appear before your Ladyship,” Lawyer Abariga noted to the court.
But prosecution vehemently opposed their application stating that due to the overwhelming evidence against the accused person, he would escape if granted bail. They argued that he was arrested after he went into hiding in a bid to evade prosecution.
“There is overwhelming evidence in support of our case against the applicant. The applicant upon his arrest confessed to robbing the victims at various robbery scenes and he further identified himself in a CCTV photograph from various scenes.
“His confession statements which is part of the documents as part of our disclosures was taken in accordance with section 20 of the evidence act,” they contended.
The prosecution led by Senior State Attorney Nana Ama Adinkra further noted that:
“We also submit that, the applicant, contrary to what counsel has indicated to the court is a flight risk and will not avail himself to stand trial.
“The defendant went into hiding after the offense and he was eventually arrested from his hide out.”
After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo refused the bail application, asserting that she couldn’t trust that the accused person would not abscond mid trial due to the nature of evidence against him.
The case has been adjourned to May 21.
Background
According to the facts of the case, Yahuza Osumanu who describes himself as a businessman, succeeded in robbing the former Second Lady of her valuables including GH¢3,000, USDS2,200, and Fifty Euros as well as a gold watch and necklace valued at GHc20,000 and GH¢5000 respectively.
Osumanu additionally assaulted the former Second Lady by strangling and hitting her head repeatedly on the ground while demanding more valuable items.
Madam Amissah Arthur lost consciousness momentarily and when she came round, the accused person had left with her safe and the booty.
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