Eleven Ellenda Rioters Granted Bail

The Half-Assini Magistrate court in Western Region, has granted bail to 11 people from Ellenda who went on unlawful rioting in the town and assaulted some police officers in Augusr. They were remanded in prison custody for two weeks when they made their first appearance in court on September 1. Their plea was not taken and the Court presided over by Mr Abdul Majid Illiasu, ordered them to reappear on September 29. They are Mr Robert Enyiaku Nyanzu, 62; Ofori Kaku, 32; Andrews Mochiah, 24, all farmers, Joseph Kwaw, 32, Driver, Emmanuel Aloko, 30, Teacher and Charles Ellea Kenyah, 64, immediate past Assemblyman for the town. The rest are Eric Egyili 22, Student; Emmanuel Muah, 25, Farmer; Sarfo Marfo, 36, Palm Wine Tapper, Noah Blay, 30, driver and J. K. Menlah at large. They were charged on six counts of abetment of crime, assaulting police officer, causing unlawful damage, conspiracy to commit crime, rioting and causing nuisance and obstruction of road. Prosecuting, Police Sergeant Isaac Ebo Otoo, said complainant in the case is Nana Kyeku Anyimiah fifth, chief of Ellenda, while the accused persons are natives of the town. He said early last month the former chief of the town, Nana Kyeku Anyimiah passed away and his burial was planned in the community on August 28. Sergeant Otoo said on the day of the burial, Menlah ordered Asafo drums to be beaten, and also organised some youth of the town to riot against the burial of the late chief in the town. He said upon intelligence, police was asked to escort the corpse and bereaved family for the burial. According to the Prosecutor, about 200 meters to the town, the rioters blocked the access road and converged at the scene. He said Police arrested some of them. Sgt Otoo said after the arrest police managed to clear the road to reach the town for the burial and while patrolling in the town to maintain peace and order, Nyanzu confronted them. He said Nyanzu bit the finger of Police Chief Inspector Abuoro Dekumwin, the stomach of General Constable Sadick Zangina Ahmed and torn his uniform in the process.