![A-G’s Office denies Calling Case Docket in Contractor’s Shooting Trial](https://news.ghheadlines.com/images/default.png)
The Attorney-General’s (A-G) Office has denied calling for the case docket involving Abass Yunuss Larry, a contractor on trial, for allegedly shooting Hammond Eleazer Nii Okai-Koi, a self-employed man, during a dispute over a building project in Kasoa, Central region.
The accused has confessed through his defence counsel that he shot Okai-Koi out of provocation.
In a letter titled “RE: LETTER SEEKING CLARIFICATION,” dated January 6, 2025 and signed by Jasper K. Doe, Principal State Attorney, the A-G’s Office stated:
“There is no record in its (A-G) registry indicating that it has called for the docket of the case under reference attached to your letter.”
Although the A-G’s clarification is yet to be filed at the Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, it contradicts an earlier claim by Macdonald N. A. Okai Esq., defense counsel for the accused.
Mr. Okai had informed the court that he was told the docket had been requested and sent to the A-G’s Office by the complainant.
“My Lady, last week Thursday, I was called and informed that this docket had been sent to the Attorney-General’s Office. When I came to court that day, I informed the Prosecutor and we agreed to wait for further directives,” the Counsel said.
Meanwhile, a search conducted by the complainant, per the response of the A-G, has proven otherwise.
Case Background
The accused, Abass Yunuss Larry and Isaac Nii Bannor, face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit crime (Prohibition of Land Guard Activities), prohibition of Land guard activities, possession of firearm without authority, and causing harm.
Both have pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail. The bail was varied to GH¢100,000 with three sureties, two to be justified.
Larry and Bannor were to deposit their Ghana Cards with the court Registry and report to the police every fortnight.
According to Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, the complainant, Hammond Eleazer Nii Okai-Koi, was supervising construction work on his uncle’s land at Ngleshie-Amanfro when he was confronted by the accused and their accomplices.
The accused allegedly seized the workers’ tools and ordered them to stop working. During the confrontation, Larry allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Okai-Koi in the left arm, causing severe injuries.
The complainant was rushed to Ridge Hospital for treatment, and the incident was reported to the police. Investigations led to the retrieval of a Springfield Armory pistol, two loaded magazines, and spent ammunition from the accused at the scene.
Defense vs. Prosecution
During cross-examination, Larry’s defense counsel argued that his client did not intend to shoot Okai-Koi but was acting in self-defense.
“My client only intended to hit the complainant with the gun after he deflated their car tires and attempted to attack him with a pickaxe,” Okai, the defense lawyer, stated.
However, the complainant denied this claim, asserting that the accused and their accomplices had threatened his workers and forcefully taken their tools.
“I did puncture only one tire of the land guards’ vehicle because they had no right to be on the land,” Okai-Koi admitted during questioning.
The post A-G’s Office denies Calling Case Docket in Contractor’s Shooting Trial appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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