Police officer who allegedly murdered GSTS student refused bail

The Police Constable who allegedly shot and killed a final year Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) during the Yuletide, was brought again before the Takoradi Magistrate Court for justice on Friday, January 12, 2018.

Lawrence Joe Baidoo, a final year student of the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS), was on his way to a pre-Christmas street jam on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Ituma, a suburb of Shama when he met his untimely death.

He was shot by the officer known to residents as Detective Adjei Shaibu.

Lawrence was in the company of four other friends, who are reported to have sustained various degrees of injuries.

Lawyer for the accused person, Abakah appealed for bail for his client stating the alleged act was bailable and did not understand why his client should continue to be in custody adding, "He also has some rights to enjoy".

His argument was that the accused was not somebody who could abuse the laws regarding bail as he himself is a police officer and is aware of the laws of the land.

That notwithstanding, Prosecuting Inspector Bernard Paa Arhinsah told the Court presided over by Mr Thomas Wofade that the request for remand was to assist the investigators to finalise information and evidence gathering with respect to the matter.

He said the personal security of the accused was also paramount while the gun in question was also being taken to the police headquarters for a forensic audit to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the incident.

The Counsel for the complainants, Ebo Donkor vehemently opposed the bail request on the grounds that the crime in question was the highest form of crime anybody could commit.

He said during such committal process, it was only prudent that the accused person was kept in custody in order not to interfere with the evidence gathering process as well as other necessary procedures to help in bringing real justice to the doorsteps of the affected individuals.

He explained that though the magistrate court did not have the jurisdiction over the matter, the end of the committal process would determine the next line of action by a higher court and was to Magistrate Judge Wofade for upholding the decision of refusal of bail adding, “it is a victory for the rule of law".

The Magistrate Court both outside and inside was characterized by heavy security men invariably to protect the suspect from the rage of the teeming school mates, families and friends as well as the old students of GSTS who had gathered to witness proceedings.

According to the Magistrate, "as I was climbing up here, I observed the heavy security presence, the enchanting and faces of people outside… I only think that it is appropriate to remand the suspect for his personal safety and allow investigators to also finish their work”.

The suspect, Detective Shaibu Adjei unsuccessfully applied for bail.

Speaking to GhanaWeb after the court proceedings, some of the old students of GSTS said they will continue to help the Prosecution prepare for the case and adequately represent the family's interest in court.

The case was adjourned to January 30, 2018 by Mr. Thomas Wofade to allow the investigators do their work well.