A 28-year-old bartender, Samuel Ayittey Okine, has pleaded not guilty to six criminal charges, including possession of firearms, assault, and threats of death, during a court appearance at the Accra Circuit Court 10 on Thursday morning.
Mr. Okine, a resident of Jamestown-Gbese, is accused of threatening the life of Nuumo Ayittey Cobla III, the Korle Wolomor, and participating in a violent riot in January this year. The prosecution, led by state attorneys, outlined a series of serious offenses allegedly committed by the accused between January 11 and April 13, 2025.
Details of the Charges
Count 1: Threat of Death – On January 11, 2025, Mr. Okine allegedly threatened Nuumo Cobla III with a pestle, intending to cause death.
Count 2: Riot with Offensive Weapons – Two days later, on January 13, the accused, along with known accomplices identified as Last Don, Sonatta, Akakpo, and Nii Ashia (all currently at large), was allegedly involved in a riot armed with weapons including pistols, cutlasses, and knives.
Count 3: Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition – On the same day, Mr. Okine is said to have been in possession of firearms without authorization, contravening the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1972.
Count 4: Discharging Firearms in Public – He is also accused of unlawfully discharging firearms in a public space, in violation of Section 209(18) of the Criminal Offences Act.
Counts 5 & 6: Use of Offensive Weapon – Mr. Okine allegedly caused harm to two individuals, Daniel Oraka Tetteh and Nii Armah Ayi, using a pistol on January 13 and April 13, respectively, in breach of Section 70 of the Criminal Offences Act.
Court Proceedings and Bail Denial
Defense counsel pleaded for bail, citing alleged police brutality during Mr. Okine’s arrest on April 9 and the accused’s urgent need for medical care. The defense also argued that their client is willing to cooperate fully with investigations.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the bail application, stressing the gravity of the charges and the possibility of interference with ongoing investigations, especially since four of the alleged accomplices remain at large.
Presiding Judge of Circuit Court 10 denied the bail request, stating:
“Due to the use of firearms and ammunition in the alleged crimes, and the risk of tampering with investigations, the court cannot grant bail at this stage.”
Mr. Okine has been remanded into police custody and is expected to reappear in court on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
Ongoing Coverage
This case continues to draw significant public attention due to its links with traditional leadership in the Jamestown area and the nature of the alleged offenses. NewsGhanaOnline will continue to monitor and report developments as they unfold.
