Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director, Kwabena Adu Boahene, has justified his decision to walk out of the High Court in Accra on Thursday, October 23, after the trial judge, Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei, refused to grant an adjournment.
Speaking to journalists after the dramatic courtroom exit, Mr. Atta Akyea said his legal team had filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to prohibit Justice Nyantei from continuing with the trial on grounds of alleged bias.
He argued that it was only proper for the High Court to suspend proceedings until the apex court ruled on the matter.
“I had filed for a prohibition of motion in the Supreme Court, saying that we’re not comfortable that this judge would give us justice. I brought it to the attention of the judge. I also raised an issue that we should adjourn the case and abide by the outcome of the application of the Supreme Court. The judge said he won’t grant us the adjournment and that he will continue the case,” he stated.
The former Works and Housing Minister questioned what he described as the judge’s “unnecessary haste” in proceeding with the case despite a pending motion at the Supreme Court.
“Ask why the judge is in an ambulance mood to continue the case and cannot wait for the Supreme Court for one week,” he said.
Earlier in court, the prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah, had opposed the request for an adjournment, arguing there was no legal justification to halt the proceedings.
Despite the defence team’s exit, Justice Nyantei directed that the case proceed, with the second prosecution witness taking the stand.
The legal standoff now awaits the Supreme Court’s determination on the prohibition motion filed by Mr. Atta Akyea and his team.
Kwabena Adu Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei Boateng, and two others are facing multiple charges, including stealing, money laundering involving an alleged GH¢49.1 million, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office.
The third accused person, Mildred Donkor, has since turned into a prosecution witness after the Attorney-General withdrew charges against her.
Adu Boahene trial: Defence lawyers walk out after judge refuses adjournment
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