AG Pleads For Time On Gbagbo’s Boy

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL’S Department has requested from the Osu Magistrate Court a little time to study certain documents from La Cote d’Ivoire concerning the case of their ex-minister in the toppled Laurent Gbagbo administration, who is currently in the custody of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), pending extradition.

The Principal State Attorney, Mrs. Yvonne Obuobisa, explained they would need the time to do a translation since the documents involved two different countries with two different languages and also to prepare adequately for the extradition.

She therefore prayed for an adjournment, which was objected by the defence team, led by Patrick Sorgbodzor, on grounds of the state disobeying an order from the court that there should be an expeditious action in the extradition process.

He held that the continuous incarceration of his client, Justin Kone Katinan, was a violation of his human right and subsequently prayed the court to grant him bail if the court was to grant the adjournment.

He explained that his client’s passport was in the custody of BNI and so was not in any position to escape when granted bail.

However, Mr. Aboagye Tando, the magistrate refused, saying the state has given compelling reasons why Mr. Katinan had to remain in custody. He then adjourned hearing to September 25.

Mr. Katinan was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport on August 24, 2012, while returning from South Africa, following a request from the Ivorian government for him to be extradited to face trial.

The ex-minister and some allies of Gbagbo allegedly, committed crimes including robbing financial institutions during the post-election violence in Cote d’Ivoire. He would be facing 10 counts of robbery, should he be expedited.

Justin held a refugee card from the Ghana Refugee Board which was also recognized by the UNHCR.

Reportedly, the Attorney-General was studying the extradition instruments to know the next step to take.