Court issues a bench warrant for arrest of Level 100 student who allegedly murdered her Canadian boyfriend

The decision to revoke the warrant came after the accused, Safina Mohammed, also known as Safina Diamond, appeared in court just hours after the order was issued to justify her earlier absence.

On Wednesday, October 23, Safina was absent when the case was called, prompting Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as a High Court judge, to issue a bench warrant for her arrest.

“We were to have dates with the jury and the lawyers today for the trial to commence,” Justice Marfo stated. “Accidentally, the accused person and her lawyers are absent without any reasonable cause. A bench warrant is hereby issued for her arrest.”

However, her lawyers quickly informed the court and brought her before the judge. Samuel Alesu-Dzordzi, her counsel, explained, “Our earlier absence before the honourable court was due to a calendar mishap and not out of disrespect.

“Upon short notice, the accused has attended court, demonstrating her intent to participate in the proceedings.”

Counsel requested the discharge of the earlier order for her arrest.

Justice Marfo acknowledged that the accused had consistently attended court. “This case has been recalled at the request of counsel for the accused, who realized the case had been called earlier,” she said.

“He informed the court they thought the date was tomorrow, October 24, 2024, instead. He promised to contact his client to be present today, and true to his word, she has come to court.”

The judge further noted, “Moreover, she has been very consistent with her court attendance. Therefore, I will rescind the order for her arrest and restore her to her previous bail conditions.”

The jury has been discharged “due to circumstances beyond” the court’s “control” and the fact that “this trial cannot commence as anticipated.”

The prosecution was led by Senior State Attorney Nama Ama Adinkra, assisted by Assistant State Attorney Yaw Acquah. Pearl Elikplim Addo provided a watching brief for the victim’s family.

The case has been adjourned to November 13, 2024.