By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, Feb. 28, GNA – A Chinese national, Dai Mengsheng, held over an alleged murder charge, has been remanded into police custody by the Takoradi District Court.
The accused was arrested on February 14, 2025, at Tarkwa and transferred to the Regional Police Command in Sekondi after the complainant, Mr. David Anthony Nicol-Sey, a businessman based in Takoradi reported the matter to the police.
Dai Mengsheng was charged with preparation to commit murder contrary to Section 19 and 46 of the criminal offences Act 1960 (Act 29) based on advice from the Attorney General’s office at Sekondi after a duplicate docket on the case was prepared and forwarded to them.
His plea was not taken, and the fact of the case has also not been read in open court.
However, the counsel for the accused, Mr Benjamin D. Andoh, prayed the court presided over by Mr. Bernard Biney, to grant his client bail, arguing that the accused has been in police custody since his arrest.
The Attorney General has given advice, it means the police have concluded their investigations and ready to begin prosecution. Accused is a man of substance with a permanent residence in Tarkwa, he will cooperate with the police, Lawyer Andoh added.
He explained to the court that, per the fact of the case, the charge preferred against his client did not directly link him to the crime, hence he should be granted bail.
Although Mr. Biney, the magistrate, agreed with the submission of the accused persons counsel, he cited lack of jurisdiction to preside over a murder case.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday March 4, 2025, for continuation in a higher court.
GNA