Drama in court as Adu Boahene’s lawyers walk out after judge refuses adjournment
By DL News
Published
2 min read
Lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea had asked for an adjournment, informing the court that his team had filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to prohibit trial judge Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei over alleged bias.
There were dramatic scenes at the Accra High Court on Thursday, October 23, after lawyers for former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director, Kwabena Adu Boahene, walked out of the courtroom in protest.
Lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea had asked for an adjournment, informing the court that his team had filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to prohibit trial judge Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei over alleged bias.
He argued that the trial should be suspended until the apex court decides on the application.
But the request was firmly opposed by Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah, who insisted there was no legal justification for halting the trial.
“There is no rule of law that says proceedings must be halted simply because counsel has filed an interlocutory application,” she said.
She accused the defence of repeatedly deploying delay tactics, noting that “at every step of this case, one motion or another is filed, followed by a request for stay.”
Justice Nyantei agreed with the prosecution and ruled that the mere filing of a prohibition application did not automatically pause proceedings.
The decision prompted a strong reaction from the defence bench. Mr Atta Akyea and his team gathered their belongings and exited the courtroom.
The judge continued with the hearing, calling the prosecution’s second witness — the Director of Finance at the National Signals Bureau — to resume testimony.
Justice Nyantei then instructed the accused to recall his legal team or represent himself. The court briefly recessed.
When the session resumed, Mr Adu Boahene informed the court that he had been unable to reach his lawyers and requested an adjournment.
The judge granted the request and adjourned the case to October 30.
Adu Boahene, along with his wife Angela Adjei Boateng and two others, is standing trial on multiple charges including money laundering, stealing, causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office in connection with an alleged GH¢49.1 million.
The third accused, Mildred Donkor, has since been discharged and is now serving as a prosecution witness after the Attorney-General withdrew charges against her.
