Relatives of the accused who thronged the court with high hopes that the boys will be granted bail returned home disappointed.
The prosecutor argued that the police need more time to conduct some investigations and arrest the 62 others at large.
Head of legal and prosecution, ACP Kofi Blagodzie pleaded with the court to keep the accused in police custody for two more weeks to give them ample time to present the other suspects before the court.
“We can assure the court that more suspects would be brought before this court at the next adjourned date”, he told the court.
But counsel of the accused countered the request by the prosecution saying there is no guarantee that more suspects will be arrested before the next adjourned date since same assurancs was given at the previous appearance.
“These are students writing their exams and their continuous detention will affect their education. They cannot interfere in the police investigation. Article 19(c) says one is innocent until proven guilty”, William Sarpong argued.
Presiding judge, Samuel Quansah Buabeng however granted the request of the prosecutor and denied the accused bail.
The counsels for the accused were disappointed with the decision of the court.
“We expected the court to grant the accused bail whilst the police continue with its investigations. What happens if at the end of the day they’re exonerated? We are looking at the option of going to high court to seek for bail before the next adjourned date”, William Asamoah said.
The accused are to reappear in court on Tuesday September 20, 2022.
By Ibrahim Abubakar|3news.com|Ghana