Daniel Asiedu, the man accused of killing the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North, Mr J.B. Danquah-Adu, yesterday told the Accra Circuit Court that he is allergic to maize but he is being forced to eat food prepared with maize in the custody of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
“As a result of this, I give my food to the other inmates in custody and just survive on water,” he said
At yesterday’s sitting, Asiedu also told the court that he was been victimised in custody.
Solitary confinement
According to him, despite the fact that other inmates were sometimes allowed to go out of their cells for fresh air, he was kept in solitary confinement and only allowed to go out to visit the washroom.
Asiedu , who appeared in court without his lawyer, also told the court that he had complained about the situation several times but nothing had been done about it.
This is the third time Asiedu has complained to the court about his condition in custody since the start of the committal proceedings.
Reaction
Reacting to Asiedu’s claims, the prosecutor, Superintendent of Police Mr Francis Baah, said he was surprised Asiedu had informed the court that he was being fed on something he was allergic to because Asiedu never told him about it.
“I have informed him to tell me about any difficulties that he is facing, so that I will take it up with the appropriate authorities. However, now that such an issue has been brought to my attention, I will check it up with the relevant authorities,’’ he said.
With regard to the accused person’s claim of being kept in solitary confinement, Mr Baah explained that the structure of the BNI premises did not allow an inmate to be given the freedom to take a stroll or go outside.
“Besides, most of the restrictions are meant to protect the accused and other inmates,’’ he added.
The court, presided over by Mr Stephen Owusu, however, ruled that Asiedu be allowed to go out of his cell under guard to enjoy fresh air.
“In the interest of his health, he needs to be allowed to go out to take a stroll or stretch,’’ it said.
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