Accused in attempted stealing claims cutlass was for protection

A 21-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Hope Nunekpeku, appeared before the Amasaman Circuit Court, where he explained why he carried a cutlass while working. 

He claimed it was solely for self-defense, citing a previous experience where his motorcycle was stolen.

Nunekpeku, accused of attempted robbery, firmly denied harboring any criminal intent for carrying the weapon. His statements were made during cross-examination, presided over by Ms. Enid Marful-Sau.

The charges stem from an incident where Nunekpeku was apprehended with a cutlass concealed under his shirt while riding a motorcycle with another individual, identified as Dickson, who remains at large.

Their alleged plan was interrupted when a vigilant bus driver notified a police patrol team, leading to Nunekpeku’s arrest. Dickson managed to escape with the motorcycle.

In court, Nunekpeku questioned General Lance Corporal Samuel Boafo, one of the officers involved in his arrest. He asked if the cutlass had been used to commit any crime, to which the officer replied negatively. However, the officer also stated that the weapon was discovered during a search and that Nunekpeku did not mention carrying it for self-protection at the time of his arrest.

Another prosecution witness, Police Detective Chief Inspector Enock K. Agorkpa, testified that Nunekpeku’s claims of self-defense were not credible, suggesting that the cutlass was intended for criminal purposes. 

When asked if Nunekpeku had harmed anyone with the weapon, the detective maintained that he had attempted to do so.

The court determined sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against Nunekpeku and directed him to present his defense.

The incident reportedly occurred on December 4, 2023, around 9:00 p.m. Nunekpeku and Dickson were said to have been observing a commercial bus driver who was delivering goods to his wife. The driver became suspicious and confronted them, prompting Dickson to flee into the darkness 

 Alarmed, the driver alerted the police, leading to the swift arrest of Nunekpeku.