Denu Cell Break Saga; Court Grants Two Bail

Two persons charged with harbouring criminals who escaped from the Denu Police cells have been granted bail by the Aflao Circuit Court.

Augustine Gomashie,  a traditional priest, and Ephraim Afedo, a fisherman, were granted bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 each, with three sureties. They are to reappear before the court on May 21, 2015.

Counsel for the accused, Mr Gershon Kporxa, clinched the bail for his clients at yesterday’s sitting of the court, presided over by Mr Justice Ali Baba Abature.

Background

The trial of the five persons who escaped from police cells with two AK47 assault rifles and 50 rounds of ammunition began at the court on April 15, 2015.

The police have so far retrieved 13 rounds of ammunition and the two assault rifles. They are yet to retrieve 37 rounds of ammunition. 

Two other fugitives, both Nigerians, Albert Asadu and Tobechuckwu Obina, are still on the run.

The fugitives on trial are Edem Gomala, Stanley Wada Kabee, Kwaku Azasu, Linus Ashietey and George Dabla.

They are charged with conspiracy to escape from lawful custody, causing damage to police property, escaping lawful custody and stealing.

Accomplices

Also in the dock with them are three others who are charged for dishonestly receiving AK 47 assault rifles and ammunition, possessing arms without lawful authority and harbouring criminals. 

They are, Edo Akpalu and Augustine Gomashie, both fetish priests and Ephraim Afedo, all residents of Gomashiekope Avoeme, a suburb of Aflao.

Akpalu had already been granted bail.

Facts

The five suspected criminals were among 13 who were detained in police custody to stand trial for robbery.

On March 13, this year, they escaped from the cells with the two Nigerians, broke into the armoury and bolted with two AK 47 assault rifles and 50 rounds of ammunition.

The police mounted a search for the fugitives and arrested three of them at different locations and the two AK 47 assault rifles retrieved from them.