Judicial scandal: Justice John Ajet Nassam missing

One of the suspended seven High Court judges, John Ajet Nassam, is nowhere to be found to be served with a notice to appear before the Investigative Committee probing bribery and corruption charges against him.

Ajet Nassam, who sat on the infamous Alfred Agbesi Woyome case and subsequently freed the businessman in the Ghc52 million judgment debt scandal, allegedly collected Ghc16,000 bribe to free criminal suspects before him.

Ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tiger Eye PI team caught the respected High Court judge on video taking the bribe in broad daylight at the Madina Zongo Junction in a Camouflage outfit.

“After the first meeting during which Tiger paid GHc 8000 directly to Ajet, the respected judge kept calling and calling to demand the balance of GHc 2000. At last, Tiger arranged another meeting with King Gabriel [agent] to go and settle the balance.

“Generous as he was, and perhaps, badly in need of the balance, Ajet decided to meet us half way to collect the money. While we headed towards his residence, he asked King Gabriel and Tiger to meet him at Zongo Junction. To test how lower he could stoop, we decided to give him GHc 1,000,” Anas reported.

Although the five-member committee has begun sitting on the matter, Starrfmonline.com can confirm that Ajet Nassam cannot be located to be given a copy of summons to appear before it.

According to judicial sources, his lawyers say they are unaware of his whereabouts hence his inability to make an appearance a few days ago.

The committee has therefore been forced to issue a hearing notice in the state-owned Daily Graphic titled: In the investigative committee (Article 146), In the matter of a petition by Anas Aremeyaw Anas for the removal from office of Justice John Ajet Nassam.

It reads: To: His Lordship Justice John Ajet Nassam – You are hereby notified that following the prima facie case established against you on allegations of misconduct for: Ex parte discussions with one party on a case pending before you contrary to Rule 3 (7) and 4(A) of the (CCJMG), Bribery and corruption contrary to S. 244 of the Criminal Offences Act and Rule (2) of the (CCJMG).

You are to appear before the said committee on Thursday, 22nd October, 2015, when the matter will come on for hearing at the Conference Room of the Administration Block, Judicial Service, Accra, at 10.00am.

You are to note that the committee will proceed on its work if you fail to appear on the said date.

You are entitled to call witnesses. You are also entitled to be represented by a lawyer.