Court begins trial of Asem Darkey

An Accra Fast Track High Court on Friday began an in-camera hearing on the case of Christian Asem Darkey, alias Limping Man, who allegedly imported 77 parcels of cocaine on board MV Benjamin.

Two witnesses believed to be fishermen from Kpone were invited by the prosecution to testify.

Information from the court said identities of the witnesses could not be made public in order not to compromise their personal security.

Darkey also known as Sherriff, a businessman, is facing charges of conspiracy, importation of narcotic drugs, possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority, undertaking prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs, and corruption of public officer.

He pleaded not guilty and the court presided over by Mr. Justice Mustapha Habib Logoh, remanded him into prison custody to re-appear on June 7.

On April 26, 2006, intelligence gathered by the security indicated that a shipping vessel, MV Benjamin, carrying about 77 parcels of cocaine was on the high seas heading towards the West African Coast, specifically Ghana.

Around midnight the same day, the vessel docked at Tema/Kpone and discharged the 77 parcels, which were offloaded into a waiting vehicle and taken away.

Investigations led to the arrest of some persons, who were put before various courts, tried and convicted to various prison terms.

During the trials, the name of Asem Darkey featured prominently as the importer and owner of the 77 parcels.

Further investigations revealed that Darkey chartered the vessel at $150,000 to bring another vessel carrying the narcotic drugs from Guinea, which were off-loaded onto MV Benjamin on the high seas, and the name of the vessel changed.

Darkey reportedly carted the 77 parcels from the vessel on its arrival at Kpone and gave some dollars to some security personnel to prevent them from arresting him.

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, Darkey was arrested at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital upon a tip-off.**