Mr Samuel Atuah, a defence lawyer for the second accused person in the case involving two teenagers standing trial over the alleged murder of a 10-year-old boy in Kasoa, has withdrawn his services to the accused.
Mr Atuah raised a concern and opted against representing Nicholas Kani, the second accused person when the case was called on Wednesday.
He told the court that, he had a conference with the accused persons and during the process, the first accused (a minor accused), 15 years, “seems to admit the offence while Kani, 18 years, denied same.”
The counsel said in view of that, and in the interest of the accused persons, “I will not be able to represent both of them but rather I have decided to represent only the first accused whilst the second accused looks for another lawyer to represent him,” he said.
He, therefore, prayed to the court to give directives in respect of his concerns.
Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, presiding over the court, agreed to the request.
The judge said before the concerns were raised by the lawyer, all was set for the jury to be empanelled.
“However, this case being a jury trial, I will have to adjourn and order legal aid to appoint a lawyer either externally or within to represent Kani,” Justice Osei Marfo said.
Just when the case was about to be adjourned, the court indicated that a lawyer had been found for Kani.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, May 12, 2022, for the jury to be empanelled.
Kasoa Teen Killers
The teenager is standing trial with another minor for causing the death of Ishmael.
The two accused persons were committed by a Kaneshie District Court to stand trial at the High Court over the death of the 10-year-old boy who they allegedly lured into an uncompleted building and killed.
The two allegedly hit Ishmael’s head with a cement block several times and dropped his body in a shallow hole.
The two are facing charges of conspiracy and murder.
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