Bishop Obinim tape fails to play in court

• Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The trial of Bishop Daniel Obinim, founder of Godsway International Ministry, and his two associate pastors for allegedly assaulting a panel and vandalising the property of Hot FM, an Accra based radio station, resumed yesterday in an Accra High Court after a two-month break.

However, the case had to be adjourned because the tape believed to contain recordings of the smashing of glasses by the bishop and his associate pastors, Kingsley Baah and Kofi Akwetey, at the radio station, failed to play in court.

The state attorney in the matter consequently prayed that the case be adjourned so that they would get the tape to play.

The same tape had earlier failed to play at the last hearing and the case had to be adjourned.

The case was again adjourned to October 31, 2014. The bishop and his associate pastors, as well as a few friends and sympathisers, were in court. Samuel Atta Akyea was there for the accused persons.

The investigator in the case, Detective Inspector Bismark Adu Gyamfi, is testifying before the court.

The witness in  his examination in chief, led by state attorney Rita Doko, at the  last hearing stated that a voice of the pastor could be heard on the tape saying, ‘aden tina mo sei nipa den sa’—meaning, ‘why are you tarnishing people’s reputation?’

The crowbar said to have been used by Obinim was tendered in court at the last hearing.

The investigator had explained that the said crowbar was not found at the scene of the crime, but was later handed over to him by the Counter Non Commissioned Officer at the Adabraka Police Station where the case was initially reported.

The investigator, who also tendered pictures of the broken glasses smashed by the three suspects, said the suspects allegedly stormed the studios where the programme, “Nya Asem Hwe”, was being aired.

The witness told the court he took pictures of the said crime scene, which he also tendered to the court in evidence.

The accused persons reportedly vandalised property, including transmitters and amplifiers, to the tune of GH¢130,580.

Kwame Ntim Katakyie, host of the programme at Hot Fm, had also testified in the trial.

He told the court that Obinim held the crowbar in his hand and tried to hit him; and in an attempt to grab it, he was overpowered and hit by the bishop.

The suspects have been charged with unlawful entry, causing unlawful damage, causing harm, conspiracy to commit assault, assault and three additional counts.

They denied any wrongdoing and have been granted bail to the sum of GH¢10,000 with two sureties.

 By Fidelia Achama