Adams Mahama murder: Gregory Afoko closes case

Gregory Afoko, the man standing trial for allegedly killing a former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Adams Mahama, has closed his case before the Accra High Court.

Consequently, the court has ordered counsel for Afoko to file his closing address on or before February 8, 2019, for the prosecution to respond to same on or before February 19, 2019.

Lawyers for the accused told the court presided by Justice Lawrence Lacazette Mensah that they had drawn the curtain on the case because their second witness was unavailable.

Benedicta Antwi, who held the brief of Osarfo Buabeng, defendant’s counsel, said, “Upon reviewing our records, we have closed our case.”

Mr. Mathew Amponsah, a chief state attorney did not object to the closure of the case by defence.

The accused had already called a witness to testify after the prosecution had invited 14 witnesses to make its case.

The case has been adjourned to February 20 and February 21 for both the prosecution and defence to address the court.

Afoko has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

His alleged accomplice, Asabke Alangdi, is said to be on the run.

The late Mahama died from severe acid injury allegedly poured on him in Bolgatanga around 11pm on May 20, 2015.

According to the facts of the case, on May 14, 2015, Afoko’s brother, Mr Paul Afoko, and Mr Kwabena Agyepong, then National Chairman and General Secretary, respectively of the NPP, went to Bolgatanga for a meeting.

Alhaji Mahama, the prosecution claimed, organised some thugs to violently attack the two, scuttling the planned meeting at the Azumsolon Guest House, while accusing them of campaigning against the NPP flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and also not notifying him (Mahama) of the meeting.

The situation, according to the prosecution, was later brought under control by the police, adding that Afoko, who was then upset, confronted Mahama but was chased away by some thugs.

The facts also noted that Afoko and one Asabke Alangdi formed another youth group in a bid to protect persons perceived to be against Nana Akufo-Addo.

It said Afoko and Alangdi held series of meetings with the youth, and on May 20, 2015, they laid ambush at Mahama’s residence with a substance suspected to be acid.

The prosecutor said Mahama returned home around 11:10pm in his pick-up vehicle, with registration number NR 761-14, and immediately he parked the vehicle in front of his house, Afoko and Asabke went close and signalled him to roll down the glass.

He told the court that Mahama identified the accused (then suspects) to be party members and rolled down the glass to talk to them. Suddenly, the suspects poured the substance, suspected to be acid, on his head, face and other parts of his body and fled on a motorbike.
The Chief State Attorney stated that Mahama started screaming for help and his wife, Hajia Adams, went to his aid and managed to bring him out of the vehicle,” the prosecution said.

BY MALIK SULLEMANA

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