A third suspect in the ghastly acid attack that killed the New Patriotic Party’s Upper East Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama, was on Wednesday June 3 charged with abetment of crime and murder.
According to the prosecution, Musa Issah, allegedly purchased the acid and handed it over to the two suspects who also showered it on Adams Mahama.
According to an autopsy report, Mr. Adams Mahama on May 21, died of extensive acid burns and shock lungs (acute respiratory distress syndrome).
The suspect, who is a driver, was arrested on Tuesday. The prosecutor, Superintendent Francis Baah, also named Musah Issa as a member of the New Patriotic Party.
Lead Counsel for the defence, Steven Ampah Korsah, said contrary to claims by the police that the suspect was arrested, it was he who turned himself in to the police.
He also challenged the claim that it was Issah who bought the acid for the attack, insisting the prosecution had no solid evidence to back their claim.
While condemning the attempt by the police to brand the suspect as an NPP party member, the lawyer said the suspect has for over 15 years supported the Upper East police in carrying out their duties.
According to Korsah, it was through the vigilance of the suspect that the police arrested a number of criminals in the region.
He said given how instrumental the suspect has been in the activities of the police, a motorbike was bought for him by the police administration in the region. He found it impossible that a person who has been working with the police for years would be accused of abetment in such a criminal act.
Steven Ampah Korsah therefore pleaded with the Magistrate, Worlanyo Kotoku to grant him bail, arguing the charge of abetment of crime is a bailable offence.
But the prosecution rebutted, reminding the court that the charge of abetment is not standing alone but linked to a crime of murder which is a non-bailable offence.
He said if the suspect is bailed he might possibly interfere with investigations. The Magistrate agreed with the Prosecution and put the suspect to bail to reappear on June 9.
Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party will join friends and family of the late Adams Mahama on June 7, to say final Islamic prayers for him following his burial on Saturday May 23.
Greggory Afoko, brother to the NPP’s national chairman Paul Afoko is also standing trial for the crime. The second suspect, Asabke Alangdi has been on the run together with his wife. They left behind their one-and-half-year-old baby.
