Justice Sophia Akuffo
Six persons have appeared before an Accra circuit court for forcing a 12-year old girl into marriage at Abeka Zongo in Accra.
The victim’s parents, together with the supposed husband and his parents as well as an Abeka Imam, who witnessed the marriage ceremony were those arraigned.
The 12-year old victim was made to marry a 26-year old man known as Prince Hakeem Sharif Dekeeney.
The accused persons are Mohammed Kamal Yusif, a 53-year old driver and RufkatuAbdallah, a 49-year old trader, Sherif Idris, Adizatu Alhassan, Prince Hakeem Sharif Dekeeney, and Sheikh Hidir Idris Adams, the Imam.
Three other accomplices namely Sheikh Hidir Adams, Sheikh Amin Osuman and Sheikh Dr. Bashir Adams, are said to be at large.
They have been variously charged with conspiracy to commit crime, abetment of crime and forced marriage.
They have pleaded not guilty to the various charges and the court presided over by Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku admitted them to bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 with one surety each to appear on October 8.
The victim has been placed under the custody of an assemblyman of Abdul Muma Umar Abdul Muma Yaro.
This is to enable the victim, who is Junior High School form three student to continue her education.
The court ordered the assemblyman to inform the court, if he at any point he is unable to take care of the victim.
Lawyer for the accused prayed the court for bail since they would not abscond from the jurisdiction.
Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Agnes Boafo said Mohammed Kamal and RufkatuAbdallah are the biological parents of the victim and they reside at Abeka Zongo.
Sherif Idris and Adizatu Alhassan are the parents of Prince Hakeem Sharif Dekeeney aged 26 years.
ASP Boafo said on July 26, this year, at about 10am, the Tesano Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit had information that the victim had been married to Prince Dekeeney.
On August 16, this year, the accused persons were arrested and the victim was rescued.
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