A 21-year-old professional motorcyclist, Hope Nunekpeku, who is accused of attempted robbery, has told the Amasaman District Court that he carried a cutlass while working to protect himself.
He explained that he had been a victim of motorcycle theft in the past, which is why he armed himself in self-defense.
Nunekpeku denied that he had criminal intentions when he carried the cutlass.
He made these statements during cross-examination in a case led by Ms. Enid Marful-Sau.
Nunekpeku is facing trial for attempted robbery after he was arrested with a cutlass hidden in his shirt while riding a motorcycle with a suspected accomplice, Dickson, who is currently on the run.
Their plan was foiled when an alert bus driver alerted a police patrol team, leading to the arrest of Nunekpeku while Dickson fled on the motorbike.
During cross-examination, Nunekpeku asked one of the arresting officers, General Lance Corporal Samuel Boafo, whether he had committed a crime with the cutlass, to which the officer denied.
He also asked whether he had told police at the time of his arrest that he was carrying a cutlass for his protection, but the officer said no, saying the cutlass was only discovered after a search.
Nunekpeku also questioned Police Superintendent Enock K. Agorkpa, another prosecution witness, about his claim that the cutlass was intended for self-defense.
However, the witness stated that Nunekpeku had an ulterior motive when he wore it.
When asked if he used the cutlass to commit a crime or harm someone, the witness confirmed that Nunekpeku had attempted to do so.
The court ruled that prima facie proceedings had been instituted against Nunekpeku and he was directed to present his defence.
The incident occurred on December 4, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m. when Nunekpeku and Dickson were reportedly monitoring a bus driver who was waiting to deliver items to his wife.
When the driver confronted her, Dickson fled into a dark area.
Alarmed, the driver contacted the police, who quickly responded and arrested Nunekpeku while Dickson fled on the motorcycle.
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