MP suspects foul play in prisoner’s death at Half-Assini

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro Constituency in the Western region Paul Aidoo suspects foul play in the death of a 48-year-old inmate in police detention.

Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwasi Duku confirmed on Tuesday the death of the suspect who was held in custody for theft.

But the lawmaker believes there is more to the death of the deceased than explained by the police chief and want thorough investigations into the matter insisting that it is not possible he could have died as a result of a mere scuffle.

DCOP Kwasi Duku claimed the deceased died following a scuffle he had with other inmates after he attempted to forcefully remove the Water Closet (WC) seat in the prison to enable him open the door leading the cells into sea to enable him go and swim having earlier complained he was experiencing some burning sensation on his body.

According to him, at this point the accused persons in a bid to stop him from destroying the water Closet assaulted him and he was later found lying on the floor motionless and was rushed to the Half-Assini Government Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead.

But the MP said he cannot fathom why the police did not intervene if indeed the deceased was beaten by inmates indicating that the that the autopsy report from the hospital showed that the deceased was strangled to death.

“The deceased was beaten mercilessly in the cells and died. According to doctor’s report, the man was beaten with some metals and died. What at all did he do to the inmates to attack him that way. I suspect foul play because if indeed he was beaten by inmates, why didn’t the police intervene” he quizzed.

Meanwhile five persons who were arrested in connection with the death of the deceased have been remanded in prison custody by a Half-Assini District Magistrate Court.

They include;Armakah, 19, Vulcanizer, John Cudjoe 32, Palm Wine Tapper, Kofi Anlimah, 20 Mason, Nicholas Atsu 27 and Kojo Ofori, 22 both Fishermen .