Traditional ruler, 26 others charged with treason for riots in the Volta region

Crime and punishment of Thursday, October 22, 2020

Source: FM class

2020-10-22

27 people who allegedly caused disturbances in the Volta region have been charged with the felony of treason.

The allegedly secessionist defendants are made up of a traditional ruler, Nene Kwaku Agblorm II, and 26 other people.

The 27 people have been accused not only of causing unrest in the region in September this year, but also of preparing to usurp the executive powers of the country.

According to the amended charge sheet, the defendants also face charges of causing unlawful damage, robbery, gun disturbances, conspiracy and participation in the campaigns of Western Togoland, a prohibited organization.

However, the court did not read the charges to the defendants.

However, the defendants’ attorneys were upset that their clients were in court without the charges being read to them.

They also indicated that their clients, who are mostly the breadwinners of their families, had not been fed while in police custody, although some of them were taking medication due to serious health problems.

Although the attorneys prayed to the court to admit their clients on bail, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sylvester Asare told the court that he could not grant bail to the defendants as he lacked jurisdiction to do so because of the new charges.

The court denied the suspects bail on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction to do so.

Since then, the case has been postponed until Monday, November 9, 2020.