High Court in Accra has adjourned the hearing of an application for bail filed by the lawyers of the man charged with robbing former Second Lady Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur and four others to May 13, 2024.
This adjournment was requested by defense lawyers led by Paul Asibi Abariga, who stated that they required additional time to review the prosecution’s affidavit opposing their bail application.
The accused, Yahuza Osumanu, a self-acclaimed businessman, was charged on April 16, 2024, with 26 counts, including 20 counts of robbery and six counts of money laundering.
Despite pleading not guilty, he has been remanded in custody. The Court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, was scheduled to hear the motion for bail on Thursday, May 2, 2024. However, the defense counsel requested more time to review the prosecution’s affidavit.
“Today (Thursday) is supposed to be the day to move the bail filed by us (lawyers) for the accused,” the defence counsel said.
“But I must admit that about 5 minutes ago, I was given a copy by the prosecution. We need to look at what they have filed closely and therefore need more time than this short period we have to present our arguments for bail,” he submitted.
“In that regard, we may humbly ask your Ladyship, per your discretion, to grant us even tomorrow to come back and respond to this process,” Lawyer Abariga said.
According to EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, state prosecutors led by Amanda Awadey, a state attorney, are expected to file their witness statements by May 21.
Background:
Yahuza Osumanu, a self-proclaimed businessman, faced arraignment after allegedly attacking and robbing former Second Lady Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur, wife of the late Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, who served from 2012 to 2016.
During the incident, Osumanu purportedly stole various currencies, including GH¢3,000, USD 2,200, and fifty Euros, along with a gold watch and necklace valued at GH¢20,000 and GH¢5,000, respectively.
Facing 26 charges, including 20 counts of robbery and six counts of money laundering, Osumanu pleaded not guilty to all accusations and has been remanded into prison custody by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
The Court instructed the prosecution to complete their disclosures, and Osumanu’s defense team, led by Paul Asibi Abariga, was directed to serve a formal bail application on the prosecution.
Aside from the former Second Lady, businessman David Adjaye and three others were allegedly robbed of their valuables at gunpoint by the accused.