Yaw Asante Agyekum, a Ghanaian mechanic who was wrongfully convicted as an confederate of the notorious armed robber Ataa Ayi, has shared an emotional account of the trauma he endured throughout his wrongful imprisonment.
In an interview cited by Pulse Ghana, Mr Agyekum mirrored on the distressing occasions that led to his arrest and eventual sentencing.
He recalled a particular second that continues to be etched in his reminiscence—the inhumane remedy he obtained throughout his arrest, together with a protracted, compelled stroll in chains.
I used to be in church with my sick mom in Kwahi when two policemen got here. In a dialog, the police stated I am actually good on the becoming work I do. I used to be utilizing a Sony Ericsson cellphone, and in an try and take away my cellphone from the pocket, I used to be hooked and requested, The place is Ataa Ayi?
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I responded that I do not know what he is about. They requested whether or not I do know him, and I responded, Sure, I do know him as a result of I am the one who providers his motorbike for him.
I by no means knew he was a prison. I do know him to be a taxi driver, and he sells bikes as properly. I used to be then carried away.
Although he didn’t totally perceive the costs on the time, Asante stated he instinctively knew that he was going to be imprisoned—but he was fully unaware of what crime he was supposedly responsible of.
One factor I’ll always remember is that this. I used to be taken from Kwahu Mpreso and was compelled to stroll to Nkawkaw.
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His story underscores the tough and unjust experiences confronted by many who fall sufferer to wrongful arrests and convictions. It additionally serves as a painful reminder of the issues within the justice system that may shatter harmless lives.
Background of the Case
Raymond Aryee Aryeetey, popularly referred to as Ataa Ayi, was considered one of Ghana’s most feared criminals within the early 2000s.
He led a gang chargeable for a string of violent crimes, together with armed robberies, automobile hijackings, and residential invasions. His actions left a long-lasting mark on the nationwide psyche, and his identify turned synonymous with concern and lawlessness.
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Regardless of a number of police pursuits, Ataa Ayi managed to evade seize for years, largely resulting from his hidden id and mobility.
His prison reign resulted in February 2005 when he was apprehended throughout a police operation primarily based on a reputable tip-off.
He was later sentenced by an Accra Quick Monitor Excessive Courtroom to a complete of 160 years in jail—70 years in a single case and a further 90 years from separate theft expenses.
A number of people, together with Yaw Asante Agyekum, have been additionally arrested and convicted as a part of his community.
The Courtroom’s Verdict
In a landmark resolution, the Courtroom of Attraction acquitted and discharged Yaw Asante Agyekum, who had served 35 years of a jail sentence handed down in 2010.
His conviction had been primarily based on allegations that he was a part of Ataa Ayi’s prison syndicate, particularly working as a mechanic for the gang.
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Arrested in 2002 and later convicted for conspiracy to commit homicide, Agyekum constantly maintained his innocence.
His authorized workforce challenged the conviction on grounds of inadequate proof and the dearth of authorized illustration throughout his preliminary trial.
The Courtroom of Attraction, made up of Justices Aboagye Tanoh, Stephen Oppong, and Janapare Bartels Kodwo, dominated in Agyekum’s favour.
They concluded that the prosecution failed to ascertain a reputable case towards him. Consequently, his conviction was overturned, and he was ordered to be launched instantly.
This ruling brings closure to a years-long injustice and highlights the significance of due course of, authorized illustration, and the presumption of innocence in Ghana’s justice system.
