Dr Gabass opens his defence in sodomy trial

Dr Sulley Ali Gabass, a medical practitioner, accused of sodomising a 16-year-old student, on Friday closed his defence at an Accra Circuit Court.

The accused person opened his defence on Monday after the court dismissed a motion by the defence counsel for stay of proceedings, pending appeal.

The prosecution began cross examination as the case which was heard in camera was adjourned to Tuesday June 9.

The accused person had earlier filed a submission of no case, but the court dismissed the assertion, saying, it was premature to conclude that Dr Gabass had no case to defend.

The prosecution, presented five witnesses; the first being the victim, followed by Manasseh Azure Awuni, a journalist, Sergeant Francis Odei-Asiedu, Dr Nii Adu-Aryee, and Mr Saajo Asimana, father of the victim.

Giving the facts of the case at an earlier sitting, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Aidan Dery told the Court that the accused person is a resident of Takoradi.

DSP Dery said in September last year, the victim became Dr Gabass’s friend on facebook, a social media platform, and they communicated online and on cell phone.

In October last year, Dr Gabass arranged and met the victim at Kasoa New Market, where he had anal sex with him in his car.

On December 28 last year, at about 1900 hours, Dr Gabass met the victim again at the same spot and had another anal sex with him, and gave him a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone and GH?20.00.

The prosecution said when the victim’s condition worsened, he was sent to the Ahmadiyya Mission Hospital but was referred to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The prosecution said when the accused person was informed about the victim’s plight, he sent GH? 800.00 through the victim’s elder brother to pay for his hospital expenses.

DSP Dery said Anal Fistula and Anal Rectal Abscess surgical operations were performed on the victim, and it was during the session that he was diagnosed as being HIV positive, and with this the victim mentioned Dr Gabass as the one responsible for the ailment.

Following media publications, the police initiated investigations into the matter and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit in Sekondi arrested Dr Gabass.

During police interrogation, Dr Gabass admitted knowing the victim as a friend but denied having anal sex with him.