An Accra High Court has directed Daniel Asiedu, also known as Sexy Dondon and the prime suspect in the murder case of the late legislator J.B. Dankwah Adu, to present himself before the court and begin his defence.
In addition, the court has instructed the ailing Asiedu to provide evidence of his illness by submitting medical records signed by a qualified medical practitioner.
The court has warned that it will “close the case” if the accused fails to appear before the court and commence his defence.
During the court proceedings, Ms. Sophia Armstrong, who represented the accused, informed the court that Asiedu was unwell and therefore unable to attend the court session.
“My Lady, I am reliably informed that the accused person is sick,” the defence counsel said.
Ms. Armstrong also requested an expedited hearing for a motion regarding a subpoena, indicating that Asiedu intends to subpoena individuals before beginning his defence.
However, the prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Sefakor Batse, clarified that a motion is not required to subpoena a witness. Instead, the proper procedure is to approach the Registrar of the court to make the necessary arrangements.
Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, presiding over the court, emphasized that issuing a subpoena on behalf of a party is an administrative task handled by the court’s Registrar. She noted that filing a motion for this purpose was unnecessary.
The court criticized the defence counsel’s request, stating that it was made in bad faith. The court emphasized that the decision to subpoena witnesses should have been made in a timely manner.
“Interestingly, the so-called motion was filed today, April 22, 2024 at exactly 10:10 am. Justice could not have been done this way. This case has already been before me for the past four years.
“This court would not be part of any conspiracy theory to delay the trial any further. If the lawyers knew that they did not want him to testify, they should have said so. They cannot come at 11th hour to spring this surprise on the court,” the court said.
The court has ordered the accused person, Daniel Asiedu, to appear before it tomorrow. Asiedu is facing charges of robbery and the murder of the legislator in 2016 at his residence in Shiashie, Accra. He pleaded not guilty before a seven-member jury and has been remanded into lawful custody.
Meanwhile, an accomplice, Vincent Bossu, has been acquitted after a submission of no case was filed on his behalf.