An Accra court has remanded Theophilus Thompson, a known sympathiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), into custody after he pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting journalist Latif Iddrisu of Multimedia Group.
The incident occurred on May 27, 2025, around 7:00 p.m. during a protest staged in front of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. The demonstration, involving some Members of Parliament and NPP supporters, was in response to the arrest of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The police announced in a statement on June 8 that Thompson, 55, was arrested on Saturday, June 7, at about 5:00 p.m. in James Town.
At his arraignment on Monday, June 9, Thompson denied the charges. His defence counsel argued that he is not a flight risk, has a fixed place of residence, and should therefore be granted bail. Citing section 97(4) of Act 30, the lawyer emphasised that “the court shall not refuse or withdraw bail merely as a form of punishment.”
However, the State Attorney opposed the bail request, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the fact that other suspects remain at large. She expressed concern that granting bail could compromise the collection of evidence or enable interference with witnesses.
The defence countered that the prosecution had not presented any proof to substantiate claims of possible interference by the accused.
The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, denying bail and remanding Thompson into custody. The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2025.
The courtroom was packed with NPP leadership, including National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) and National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, who attended the hearing to show their support.
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