Opuni case: New judge takes over, accused goes to SC demands trial De novo
Justice Aboagye, who becomes the third judge to sit on the case after Justice Clemence Honyenuga, made his first sitting on July 12, 2023, where the parties informed him about the outcome of the appeal
A new judge, Justice Aboagye Tandoh has taken over the criminal case involving the former COCOBOD CEO, Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, and Businessman, Seidu Agongo.
This follows the transfer of the second trial judge, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah.
After the retirement of Justice Clemence Honyenuga who presided on the case for almost five years, the case was transferred to Justice Anokye who had to deal with a preliminary application as to whether the case should start afresh or continue.
In his ruling, Justice Anokye Gyimah made an order for a trial De novo which however dissatisfied the state thus leading to an appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Justice Aboagye, who becomes the third judge to sit on the case after Justice Clemence Honyenuga, made his first sitting on July 12, 2023, where the parties informed him about the outcome of the appeal at the Court of Appeal.
First to speak was the Prosecution led by Mrs. Evelyn Keelson who told the court that the appellate court had directed the parties to adopt the proceedings of Justice Clemence Honyenuga thus quashing the ruling for a fresh trial by Justice Anokye Gyimah.
On its part, Samuel Cudjoe, counsel for the first accused, after corroborating this fact, indicated that his side had filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal.
The presiding judge thus ruled that since there is no order against the court proceeding with the case, the parties ought to apply for the records of the previous case proceedings for the trial to continue.
