Suspect remanded in custody

Ho (Volta Region) - A Ho Circuit Tribunal on Tuesday remanded Eric Agbinku, unemployed, charged with assault, threatening and using offensive weapon in prison custody. His plea was not taken and he is to re-appear on July 7.

Inspector Chris Agbodza, prosecuting told the Tribunal chaired by Justice Lawrence L. Mensah that on June 11, this year, Madam Ella Gadey, Agbinku's mother made a report to the police that his son had assaulted and threatened to kill her. The accused also threatened to stab the police who went to arrest him.

Inspector Agbodza said that at about 4 am on June 22, Madam Gadey informed soldiers at the Volta Barracks that Agbinku had come into the house and four soldiers were detailed to arrest him. The suspect, who was sweeping, asked permission from the soldiers to dress up.

When Agbinku came out of the room, he stabbed Corporal Oliver Nyasem, one of the soldiers in the upper left rib but the suspect was overpowered.

Inspector Agbodza said that while being taken into custody in a taxi, Agbinku attempted to strangle the driver, who was forced to stop the cab and the suspect escaped.

According to the prosecution, Agbinku was arrested with a knife on Sunday, June 25, while worshipping at the E. P. Church, Ghana, at Ho Kpodzi by a group of soldiers upon a tip off.

Corporal Nyasem who underwent major operation at the Volta Regional Hospital, is said to be responding to treatment.