Family of the late Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Adams Mahama is disappointed with the verdict of the jury which has found one of the persons standing trial for his murder not guilty.
According to lawyer for the family, Anthony Namoo, the decision of the jury finding Asabke Alangdi guilty on the charge of conspiracy to commit murder while setting free his alleged collaborator, Gregory Afoko on same charge is “a bit disconcerting”.
Mr. Namoo argued that the prosecution adduced compelling evidence that implicate the two accused persons and thus, the jury should have pronounced both guilty of the crime.
“We are disappointed as family with the outcome because from the evidence that the prosecution marshaled, we’re of the view that compelling evidence was led by the prosecution and so we are not happy about the outcome,” he said in interview on Joy FM.
The lawyer is particularly disappointed that the seven-member jury will pass such a bizarre verdict even after the presiding meticulously took them through the position of the law on such high crime and the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution.
“The obvious question is he conspired with whom? This is question is for the jury to answer. Because that makes their verdict a bit disconcerting.
This is a case where the judge took her time, as I said 4 hours, and repeatedly explained to them the position of the law and also in the course of summing up, she was able to point out how the accused persons lied in the statements that they gave to the police and they’re evident in court. She was able to show all this”.
A seven-member jury, yesterday, pronounced death sentence on Asabke Alangdi after finding him guilty of conspiracy to commit murder while acquitting him on the charge of murder.
His alleged conspirator in the commitment of the crime, Gregory Afoko will, however, face a retrial.
This was after the jury returned a 4:3 verdict, finding him not guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Graphic Online reports.
According to the Criminal Procedure Act, 1960 (Act 30), a 4:3 ruling by a jury in a murder case makes it a hung jury and there must be a retrial.
But Mr. Namoo say the family is displeased with the outcome of the case.
Meanwhile, lawyers for the convict have vowed to appeal the decision of the jury.
For them, the verdict is not just preposterous but a travesty of justice.
