Judge Condemns Prosecution Delays in High-Profile $2.1M Oyarifa Drug Trafficking Case
Court Proceedings Stall as Prosecution Seeks More Time
Justice Ruby Aryeetey has expressed significant frustration with prosecutors handling the high-profile Oyarifa drug trafficking case, condemning their repeated requests for adjournments that have prevented the accused from entering a formal plea.
The case centers around 56-year-old Nigerian national Chima Uchechukwu, who was arrested at Oyarifa in possession of substantial quantities of narcotics – specifically 192 kilograms of cocaine and 0.42 kilograms of heroin. These substances, valued at approximately $2.1 million, were seized during an operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
Prosecution Cites New Evidence for Latest Delay
During Monday’s court session (April 14), lead prosecutor Watson Adama requested additional time to incorporate new evidence into the charges against the defendant.
“I have received a copy of the report from the Ghana Standards Authority“, Adama stated during proceedings. “In light of this, I respectfully request the opportunity to file a new charge sheet before the accused is asked to enter a plea.”
Defense Pushes Back Against Continued Postponements
Defense attorney Paul Asigi Abariga countered the prosecution’s request, suggesting the court should proceed with the existing charges while allowing prosecutors to amend the charge sheet at a later date. This approach would prevent further detention of the accused without formal charges being established, a right protected under Ghana’s criminal justice system.
Judge Issues Ultimatum on Case Progression
Justice Aryeetey made her position abundantly clear, warning prosecutors that continuous delays without allowing the defendant to enter a plea would not be tolerated. The judge pointedly reminded the prosecution team that NACOC itself has the authority to grant bail in drug-related cases such as this one.
After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Aryeetey adjourned proceedings until Wednesday, April 17, with a stern warning: any further delays preventing the accused from entering a plea would result in the dismissal of the case entirely, consistent with precedents set by the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Legal Implications for Drug Trafficking Cases
This case highlights the delicate balance between thorough investigation and the rights of the accused to timely legal proceedings. Drug trafficking cases in Ghana typically carry severe penalties upon conviction, which places additional importance on proper procedural handling according to international standards of justice.
What’s Next for the Oyarifa Drug Case?
With the next hearing scheduled for April 17, all eyes will be on whether the prosecution can finalize their revised charges and allow the case to proceed to the plea stage. The outcome of this high-profile international drug trafficking case could set important precedents for similar cases in the region, potentially influencing West African drug enforcement policies.