VEmmanuel Arthur, a ‘trotro mate,’ has narrated how he was arrested during the #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse protest, which was organized by the Democracy Hub. Speaking to EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, Arthur recounted the startling events that led to his arrest for allegedly uttering the phrase “Chooo Boi” during the demonstration.
Arthur, who has since been granted bail, described how he was approached by a group of police officers on the day of the protest. “That very day, which was a Sunday, I came to the station. I was standing with my master and just said ‘Chooo Boi’—and they arrested me. Eight police men!” he recounted during his third appearance at the Circuit Court in Accra on Monday, October 14, 2024.
According to Arthur, the officers took him to their head office after his arrest. “I told them I wanted to urinate, and they began slapping me and other things. I told them I was just a trotro mate, but they didn’t listen. They sent me to Nsawam prison for almost two weeks,” he said.
Arthur’s account has sparked concern over police conduct and the broader implications for protesters and bystanders during the Democracy Hub’s demonstrations. His case adds to growing reports of the heavy-handed approach by law enforcement in response to the protests, raising questions about the treatment of individuals involved in peaceful civic actions.
The #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse protests have garnered significant attention, as citizens continue to advocate for greater accountability from the government. Meanwhile, Arthur’s court proceedings are ongoing as his legal team seeks to challenge the legitimacy of his arrest.
