Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Tsibu-Darko Refused Bail Again


By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday, 26 September 2006
PRINCE Tsibu-Darko, 49, a Tema-based businessman standing trial for narcotic drug offences was again refused bail when he appeared before an Accra circuit court yesterday.

It was the sixth time he had been refused bail pending the completion of investigations into the case. His plea has not been taken and he is to appear again on October 5.

When the case was called, ASP George Abavelim, told the court that the prosecution had referred the matter to the Attorney-General’s Department for further action.

"I went there this morning to see the state of affairs but I was told that a firm decision has not been taken and was therefore asked to take a date," he told the packed court.

This prompted defence counsel, Gabriel Pwamang, to renew his application for bail for the accused person.

He argued that once the prosecution was not anxious to try the accused person, the court had every right "to admit him to bail."

He said, "The court holds the balance of the liberties of the individual as well as the state and in this instance, it must be seen to be doing justice to all manner of people."

He said Tsibu-Darko had visited the hospital on two occasions since his arrest, adding "he must be handled with care to ensure a fair trial."

But the judge remarked: "Let the police take the accused to the hospital for proper medical treatment."

Tsibu-Darko, owner of the Koreana Hotel and Komaney Forex Bureau in Tema, was arrested on August 9 on suspicion of dealing in narcotic drugs.

The prosecution said on his first appearance that he owns a fishing company and does other activities including the distribution of narcotic drugs, particularly cocaine,.

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