Ta'di Kidnappings - Accused Asked to Produce Accomplice

By Clement Adzei Boye

Takoradi — The Takoradi District Court yesterday ordered Samuel Udoetuk Wills, 28-year-old Nigerian, suspect in the Takoradi kidnappings, a week, to produce one Kwesi to help him (accused) build his case.

The court, presided by Mr Michael Ampadu, gave the order after Wills had given evidence that a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer and Kwesi assisted him to escape from the Takoradi Central Police Station on December 30.

The court adjourned the case to Monday, February 18.

Wills had earlier pleaded not guilty to three counts of escape from custody, destruction of public property and resisting arrest, but, when he appeared in court yesterday, he pleaded not guilty with explanation.

Subsequently, the magistrate drew his attention that he should have pleaded guilty with explanation.

Wills told the court that the CID officer and Kwesi assisted him to escape from police custody, explaining that Kwesi cut the iron bars using a blade and frytol oil, but said "I never resisted arrest."

Meanwhile, Mr Ampadu stated that the prosecution had completed its submissions to the court and what remained was for Wills to open his defence

"The prosecution had provided a prima facie case against, and you did not cross-examine them. You should open your defence,or you can decide not to say anything," Mr Ampadu told Wills.

Earlier a prosecution witness, Detective Inspector Austin Agyei, led in evidence by the prosecutor, Inspector Bernard Ahensan, tendered in court three iron rods, two hacksaw blades, Wills allegedly used in cutting the burglar-proof at the Takoradi cells.

Insp Ahensan also tendered in court a dress and scarf which was found during the re-arrest of Wills at his hideout at Kansawurado.

The dress and scarf have been identified by parents of one of the victims, Pricilla Mantsebea Koranche, who was kidnapped on December 21, 2018.

The other girls kidnapped were, Priscilla Blessing Bentum, 21, third year student of the University of Education, Winneba, and Ruth Love Quayson, 18, and former student of Fijai Senior High and living at Diabene.

The parents were said to have paid various amount of money to the kidnappers but to no avail.

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