Abusuapanyin, four others in custody for alleged murder

Agona Swedru, Jan 25, GNA - The Asona Abusuapanyin of Gomoa Buduatta and four others charged with the alleged murder of a 60- year-old farmer, Opanyin Amos Budu Yenu over a land dispute have been placed in prison custody.

They are Kobina Afuah, 71, head of the Asona clan, Wilson Andoh, 65 years, Shito Agbotigah a 54-year-old farmer, Kofi Quaye a hunter/farmer, 45 years and Kobina Yakubu a 60-year0old farmer.

ASP W K Morttey, Agona Swedru Divisional Crime Officer of the Police Service told the Ghana News Agency that the five who were remanded by the Swedru Magistrate Court would reappear on January 31, 2005. He said the deceased bought the land from the Oyoko Royal family of Gomoa Buduatta, after an auction sale.

According to the Crime Officer, Kobina Afuah and the four other suspects who affiliated with the Oyoko family some years back, started litigating with the late Budu Yenu over the piece of land and the case was sent to the Awutu Bereku Magistrate Court where judgement is to be given soon.

ASP Morttey said the five suspects sensing that the ruling would not be in their favour decided to eliminate the deceased before the judgement.

He noted that on January 4, 2005, they hatched a plan and Kofi Quaye agreed to give his unlicensed local manufactured single barrel gun to Kobina Yakubu who also agreed to shoot Opanyin Budu Yenu. ASP Morttey said on January 5,2005 at 8.50 PM the deceased was sitting in front of his kitchen taking his tea and bread when Yakubu went to the house and shot him in the chest killing him instantly. The residents of the town reported the incident to the Police and the five were arrested.

ASP Morttey said the body had been deposited at the mortuary of the Cape Coast Regional Hospital for autopsy.