Man accused of robbing former Second Lady Matilda Amissah-Arthur refused bail

The High Court in Accra has refused an application for bail filed by lawyers for self-acclaimed businessman, Yahuza Osumanu, who is said to have attacked and robbed former Second Lady, Mrs Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur and four others.

This was after the High Court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo was of the considered view that, the accused when granted bail would likely not appear to stand trial.

According to the Court, even though the Court has a discretionary power to grant bail, that discretion must be exercised in a manner that will be of interest to the society and the victims involved.

“I am of the considered opinion that looking at the nature of the accusations against the accused and the nature of evidence. I am inclined to believe that he will not avail himself to stand trial when granted bail,” Justice Marfo ruled.

While refusing the bail application, the Court assured both parties of an expeditious trial in the matter.

Justice Marfo also said the accused should remain in custody.

In Court on Thursday, lawyers of the accused led by Paul Assibi Abariga while moving the bail application, said, his client will avail himself to stand trial when granted bail.

“The accused shall always appear to stand trial at all times.

“He has no motivation of any incentive or power to decide not to appear before your Ladyship,” he submitted.

Ms. Amanda Awadey, a Senior State Attorney while opposing the bail application said, the accused is a flight risk and would not avail himself to stand trial when granted bail.

“There is overwhelming evidence in support of our case against the applicant (Accused).

“The applicant upon his arrest confessed to robbing the victims and various robbery scenes and he further identified himself in a CCTV photograph from various scenes,” the Senior State Attorney submitted.

According to EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, the case has been adjourned to May 21 while Prosecution has been directed to file the second batch of their disclosures.

Mrs. Amissah-Arthur, is the wife of the late Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, Ghana's Vice President between 2012 and 2016.

Yahuza has been slapped with 26 counts comprising 20 counts of robbery and six counts of money laundering. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Apart from the former Second Lady, businessman David Adjaye and three others have all been robbed by the accused at gunpoint of their valuable properties at gunpoint.