Selomey Awiti Baffoe's bail application denied by High Court
The judge noted that the matter is cyber-related and held that releasing Baffoe at this stage could create a real risk of interference with witnesses
Salomey Awiti Baffoe will remain in custody after the High Court refused her bail application in the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok case.
The 40-year-old Senior Nursing Officer had asked the court to release her while investigations continue into allegations that she abetted the publication of false information.
But the court, ruling on Thursday, September 24, accepted the prosecution’s argument that the case was still under active investigation.
The judge noted that the matter is cyber-related and held that releasing Baffoe at this stage could create a real risk of interference with witnesses.
The court therefore declined the application but directed the Republic to move quickly with its investigations.
Baffoe’s lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, had argued that his client was entitled to bail and remained presumed innocent under the Constitution.
He said the State had failed to give strong reasons for keeping her in custody.
According to him, the prosecution relied only on bare assertions and did not provide evidence that Baffoe would interfere with investigations or witnesses if released.
Counsel also argued that the charge against her is a misdemeanour and should not ordinarily justify a refusal of bail.
He further asked the court to consider her personal circumstances, including the fact that she is a mother of minor children.
One of the children, he said, is due to enter Senior High School, but her continued detention was affecting the enrolment process.
The prosecution opposed the application.
It told the court that Baffoe was still needed to assist police investigations and help investigators trace another suspect identified as “Ghana Jollof”.
After hearing both sides, the court held that the stage of the investigation and the nature of the case justified the refusal of bail.
The case has been attracting public attention because of the anonymous TikTok account, which has been linked to posts critical of public officials.
Baffoe remains in custody while investigations continue.
