Police prosecutors have engaged a team of experts to probe into the latest findings in the case in which Chinese national, Aisha Huang and three others are facing charges at the Circuit Court.
The notorious galamsey queen and the three others have pleaded not guilty to engaging in the sale and purchase of minerals without valid license.
Aisha Huang, who is also facing separate charge pleaded not guilty to mining without license.
She has for the sixth time been refused bail (including twice at the High Court) after her lawyers had prayed the court presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah.
The three others who are standing trial at the Circuit Court with Aisha Huang are – Jong Li Hua, Huang Jei and Huiad Hu.
In court on Wednesday, October 12, Inspector Isaac Babayi, who held brief for the substantive prosecutor, told the court that, “We have been making progress with investigation.”
He said, “as we speak now, a team of experts have been constituted to probe some findings made by investigators.”
According to him, “We have consulted the AG on some issues and we are requesting his input. We are expecting his response soon.”
He therefore prayed for the accused persons to be kept in custody to enable them make progress in the case.
One of the Defence lawyers, Frank Kumakoh, argued that, the second accused for instance is a victim of circumstance.
Counsel said, she only paid a visit to someone at the time of Aisha Huang was arrest.
Counsel said, his client has not come into conflict with any law, be it criminal or civil.
He also contended that, the accused are not in any position to interfere with investigations.
Counsel further said they have sureties to execute the bail bond should they be given bail.
He said, the second accused is medically unfit and since, they don’t know when investigations will conclude, she should be granted bail.
*Rebuttal*
Responding to the request for bail, the prosecutor said, “We have demonstrated to this court that the accused will not only interfere with investigations, but they are also flight risk.”
He said, “If granted bail, they will not appear before you (Court) for the trial which will defeat the purpose of the bail.”
He said, ‘most of the accused have multiple passports.”
*By Court*
The court presided over by His Honour Bright Acquah said, “I am denying them bail on the previous grounds.”
The court consequently directed the Prosecution to make sure they file their disclosures by the next date for trial to commence.
The case has been adjourned to Oct. 27.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Murtala Inusah
