Chief, 33 others remanded for rioting

Sekondi, April 13, GNA- Thirty-four people including Nana Kweku Pata II, Chief of Acheamfo in the Aowin-Suaman District of Western Region and five women were on Tuesday remanded in prison custody by a Sekondi Magistrate's Court for rioting, causing damage, stealing and arson. Two Junior Secondary School students who were among the group were however remanded at the Essipong Children's Home.

Their pleas were not taken and they would re-appear on April 26. Prosecuting, Police Sergeant Andam Okyere did not give the facts but pleaded with the court to remand the suspects since some other suspects were on the run while police investigation continues.

Pleading for bail for their clients, the Lawyers said the suspects were arrested on April three, and had been kept in Police cells for more than 78 hours, thereby exceeding the mandatory 48 hours.

They said by such act, the 1992 Constitution had been violated and there was the need for the Police to apologise, respect the rights of the individuals and also "respect the rule of law".