By Joyce
Danso, GNA
Accra Sept. 17, GNA – Six persons have been
put before an Accra Circuit Court for forcing a 12-year old girl into marriage
at Abeka Zongo, Accra.
The victim’s parents, together with the
supposed husband’ and his parents as well as an Abeka Imam, who witnessed the
marriage ceremony have been arraigned.
The 12 year old victim was married to a
26-year old man known as Prince Hakeem Sharif Dekeeney.
The accused persons are Mohammed Kamal Yusif,
a 53 year old driver and Rufkatu Abdallah, a 49-year old trader, Sherif Idris,
Adizatu Alhassan, Prince Hakeem Sharif Dekeeney, and Sheikh Hidir Idris Adams,
the Imam
Three other accomplices namely Sheikh Hidir
Adams, Sheikh Amin Osuman and Sheikh Dr. Bashir Adams, are said to be at large.
They have been variously charged with
conspiracy to commit crime, abetment of crime and forced marriage.
They have pleaded not guilty to the various
charges and the court presided over by Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku has admitted
them to bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 with one surety each to reappear on
October 8.
The victim, who was kept at a shelter in Osu,
Accra, has now been released to the Assemblyman of Abeka in the person of Umar
Abdul Muma Yaro.
This is to enable the victim, who is a Junior
High School form three Student to continue with her education.
The court ordered the assemblyman to inform
the court, if he at any point is unable to take care of the victim.
Lawyer for the accused persons prayed the
court for bail since they would not abscond from the jurisdiction.
Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police
(ASP) Agnes Boafo said Mohammed Kamal and Rufkatu Abdallah are the biological
parents of the victim and they reside at Abeka Zongo.
Sherif Idris and Adizatu Alhassan are the
parents of Prince Hakeem Sharif Dekeeney aged 26 years.
ASP Boafo said on July 26, this year, at about
1000 hours, the Tesano Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit had information
that the victim had been married to Prince Sharif Dekeeney.
Prosecution said the Tesano Unit Commander
assigned Detective Sergeant Francis Sevor to follow up on the matter.
On August 16, this year, the accused persons
were arrested and the victim was rescued from her parents and taken to a
Shelter at Osu.
Prosecution said the victim was taken to the
hospital for medical examination where it was established that the victim had
had sexual intercourse.
When the victim was asked who defiled her, she
mentioned one Kwame and not Prince.
Prosecution said the Police has not been able
to arrest the said Kwame to assist in investigations.
Meanwhile, the six accused persons have
admitted the offence, but Prince Sharif Dekeeney told the Police that he had paid
bride price to Mohammed Kamal Yusif and Rufkatu Abdallah.
Investigations revealed that the marriage
ceremony was graced by Sheikh Abass Saleh, the Abeka Imam.
GNA