Sarah Kwablah fails to turn up in court

Dr Maurice Ampaw, a lawyer defending Sarah Kwablah a student in the alleged Asamoah Gyan sex tape saga said he would ensure that his client appears in court.

According to Dr Ampaw, Sarah was surprised over the matter adding that she did not know the case had been fixed for Tuesday.

Defence counsel said he would ensure that Sarah turns up in court at its next sitting.

Dr Ampaw made the submissions at an Accra Circuit Court when three others standing trial with Sarah appeared before the court for allegedly extorting money from Black Star Captain, Asamoah Gyan over an alleged sex tape.

The three are, Osafo Anthony a 29-year old journalist, Chris Handler, a 24 year old blogger and Ekow Micah a 43 year old musician who have been charged with conspiracy and extortion.

Micah Ekow a Musician was charged with abetment of crime. They have denied the charges.

Sarah a student for the second time failed to turn up in court.

The court presided over by Ms Afi Agbanu Kudimor at the last sitting issued a bench warrant for Sarah’s arrest following her non appearance in court.

According to the court the bench warrant is in force as Sarah had not shown up and adjourned the matter to October 15.

Ms Theresa Tabi, who represented Handler, told the court that she had just be contracted to defend Handler and therefore needed some time to study the case.

The court however granted the three present bail.

Anthony and Handler were admitted to a bail of GHc 60,000.00 with three sureties.

Micah was also given a bail of GHc 20,000 with two sureties.

The prosecuting Assistant Commissioner of Police Moses Atibillah on September 18 told the court that Mr Anim Agyie is the complainant and a manager of Gyan.

Prosecution said Anthony is an employee of Handler. In June, an alleged sodomy story broke out in Ghana’s electronic and print media and the said story was attributed to Gyan.

ACP Atibillah explained that in the said publication Sarah alleged that Gyan had had sexual intercourse and anal sex with her; she became pregnant as a result of the act.

According to the prosecutor, Sarah discussed the issue with Micah and met Anthony and Handler to discuss the issue to publish the story on their website in order to scare Gyan who will in turn give them money.

Anthony and Handler published the first story on their website and promised to release the sex tape in their subsequent editions.

Prosecution said a witness in the case read the story on their website known as Ghanabase.com and alerted the complainant.

The complainant contacted Anthony on phone and they threatened to release the sex tape unless a colossal amount was paid or a house was bought for Sarah.

ACP Atiibilah said in the complainant’s bid to protect the image of Gyan asked Anthony and Handler to hold on with the publication.

Prosecution said Anthony and Handler threatened to defame Gyan and they called for an urgent payment of the money.

Complainant, prosecution said, feigned interest to pay. When Handler was contacted they charged GHc30,000.00. Complainant bargained and they settled on GHc25,000.00.

Complainant, Anthony and Handler agreed to meet at the London Restaurant. Complainant reported the matter to the Police and on July 29, Anthony met at the London Restaurant and $1,000.00; GHc6,000.00 and a cheque of GHc15,000.00 were given to him.

Anthony was however nabbed when he received the money. The rest of the accused persons were arrested later.