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Tag: treason

  • Nigerian court charges ten protesters with treason

    Nigerian court charges ten protesters with treason

    Ten people involved in last month’s protests across Nigeria have been charged with treason and other serious offences at the federal high court in Abuja.

    All the accused entered not guilty pleas.

    The protests, known as the “10 days of rage,” erupted due to the harsh economic conditions, leading to violent clashes with security forces.

    The violence resulted in at least seven deaths, according to police, though rights groups report 23 fatalities.

    Additionally, nearly 700 people were arrested, and the accused face charges including the destruction of public property and injuring police officers.

    They were accused of working with a British citizen “to destabilise Nigeria by calling on the military to take over government from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” according to the charge sheet.

    They allegedly shouted, “Tinubu must go; it is soldiers we want.”

    Despite an appeal that the 10 accused should be bailed as they had already been held for a month, the court decided that they would remain in custody.

    Rights group Amnesty International earlier criticised the legal process and called the trial “a sham.”

    Last month, it called for investigations into the killings during the protests.
    Demonstrations in all major Nigerian cities began on 1 August with people chanting slogans such as “We are hungry” and “End bad governance.”

    The protests, organised through social media, were in part inspired by the success of demonstrators in Kenya who forced the government to scrap plans to increase taxes.

    In some parts of the country, curfews were imposed. The authorities said the protests had been “hijacked by thugs” who engaged in widespread looting and the destruction of property.

    Nigeria is experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation. Annual inflation stands at more than 30%. Food prices have risen even faster—for example, in the commercial hub, Lagos, yams, a staple food, are almost four times more expensive than last year.

  • I continue to see the charade – Barker-Vormawor fumes as court adjourns treason trial again

    I continue to see the charade – Barker-Vormawor fumes as court adjourns treason trial again

    The trial of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, for treason has once again been postponed.

    Scheduled to commence on Monday morning, May 20, 2024, this trial has been delayed for over two years since the charges were filed against him.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested in February 2022 for a social media post that the state deemed treasonous.

    On April 29 of this year, Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers filed an application challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requested that the case be referred to the Supreme Court.

    During the court session on Monday, the judge was expected to rule on these issues to pave the way for a possible trial. However, it was revealed that the state had only responded to the application by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers that morning.

    In an interview with JoyNews at the courthouse after the adjournment, Barker-Vormawor expressed his frustration.

    Mr. Vormawor described the state’s posturing as a “charade” and questioned why it has failed to promptly respond to the application, delaying the long-awaited trial.

    “You continue to see the charade and what has happened so far. For them who paraded over 50 armed individuals and snipers, for those who believed that we were a threat to this republic, for so long they have not been able to match those words with the evidence that is required in this trial “Mr Barker-Vormawor fumed.

    “If they, in fact, believe that we were intending to overthrow this government then they should show up in court and prove that to the everyday Ghanaian,“ he argued.

    He also questioned the type of democracy being practiced in Ghana and challenged the state to present evidence to commence the trial.

    The judge is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the offense and the issue of jurisdiction when the court reconvenes on May 27, paving the way for the trial to commence.

  • I will not allow AG discontinue treason case against me – Barker-Vormawor

    I will not allow AG discontinue treason case against me – Barker-Vormawor

    #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, says he will oppose any attempt by the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, to discontinue the treason trial brought up against him by the State 2 years ago.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court today, but the treason trial has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    In a social media post ahead of today’s trial, Barker-Vormawor noted that he does not “want the Attorney-General to file any Nolle Prosequi in this matter” since “he has committed two years to it.”

    He added, “I want them to continue the shambolic process they have set in motion. For everyone to see what a sham of a democracy this regime has made Ghana.

    “Your President is a morally bereft Short man with the ego of a child lacking growth hormones. No amount of treason trials will obscure the fact of his ineptitude or weak ego! I will be in Court today to answer “Not Guilty Your Dishonour.”

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

  • Barker-Vormawor wants treason trial broadcast to the public

    Barker-Vormawor wants treason trial broadcast to the public

    #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, says he is contemplating applying for a live broadcast of the treason trial brought up against him by the State.

    He made this statement in a social media post while referencing the live broadcast of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill lawsuit proceedings.

    “I think my lawyers have to apply for Live Broadcast in this too. If the Supreme Court says the Gay Bill proceedings should be live for our people to consume; then surely the Treason of their democracy concerns them,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

    The proceedings of the two lawsuits filed by broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi, challenging the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as anti-LGBTQ+ Bill was broadcast after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, requested the Chief Justice to allow live coverage of the proceedings.

    He highlighted the considerable public interest in the anti-gay bill as the rationale for the request.

    The treason trial of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor had rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

  • Court adjourns treason-felony case involving Barker-Vormawor to May 20

    Court adjourns treason-felony case involving Barker-Vormawor to May 20

    The treason trial of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor had rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

    The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2024, for a determination on the court’s jurisdiction and further proceedings.

  • Burkina Faso’s exit from ECOWAS will not affect our relationship, we are brothers and sisters – Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso

    Burkina Faso’s exit from ECOWAS will not affect our relationship, we are brothers and sisters – Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso

    His Excellency Boniface Gambila, Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, has dismissed assertions implying that Burkina Faso’s exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would strain the ties between the two neighboring countries.

    Ambassador Gambila underscored that despite Burkina Faso’s decision to withdraw from ECOWAS due to dissatisfaction with the regional body’s management of critical issues, the personal and diplomatic connections between the leaders of Ghana and Burkina Faso remain strong.

    He expressed confidence that Burkina Faso’s departure from ECOWAS would not result in adverse trade implications for Ghana. Ambassador Gambila cited the enduring closeness between the two presidents and the deep historical bond shared by the nations as factors ensuring the resilience of diplomatic and trade relations.

    “Our two presidents are very close, and historically, the fact that we are brothers and sisters, this would not affect us. I am very optimistic. Don’t let any security analyst sit back there and frighten you. There would be nothing of the sort,” Ambassador Gambila affirmed in an interview with Bolgatanga-based A1 Radio.

    The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, from ECOWAS was motivated by grievances over what they deemed as unfair treatment by the regional organization.

    Despite concerns voiced by certain international trade experts about the potential adverse effects of these exits on trade and diplomatic relations, Ambassador Gambila brushed aside such notions. He affirmed the enduring strength of the Ghana-Burkina Faso relationship in the face of regional transformations.

  • Son of deposed president of Gabon is charged with treason

    Son of deposed president of Gabon is charged with treason

    The state prosecutor in Gabon has announced that Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the eldest son of the deposed president Ali Bongo, along with several of his political associates, has been formally charged with high treason and corruption.

    Noureddin Bongo Valentin, aged 31, was taken into custody shortly after last month’s coup.

    National television aired footage showing him and some of his father’s close associates alongside suitcases of cash reportedly seized from their residences.

    As of now, there has been no official response from them regarding these accusations.

    The military took control of the government shortly after Ali Bongo was declared the victor in Gabon’s presidential election. Ali Bongo had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father, who had governed the country for 41 years.

  • I should be commended, not charged for treason – ACP Agordzo to NIB

    I should be commended, not charged for treason – ACP Agordzo to NIB

    Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Dr. Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo, asserts that instead of charging him with treason, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) should be acknowledging his actions.

    He claims that his financial contribution to support Take Action Ghana (TAG) was directed towards medical outreach programs, despite being accused of aiding an alleged plot to overthrow the government.

    During his testimony at the ongoing high treason trial involving nine individuals, ACP Agordzo stated that he and others donated funds for TAG’s medical outreach initiatives. He questioned the selective nature of his arrest when other personalities involved were not apprehended.

    He contested allegations that he drafted a speech for a post-coup scenario, stating that his advice regarding peaceful demonstrations and securing police permits was unrelated to any criminal activity.

    With nearly 36 years of experience in the Ghana Police Service, ACP Agordzo served as Director of Operations and Director of Transformation from 2015 to 2018. He engaged with think tanks, research organizations, and media outlets on topics including election security and political vigilantes.

    He recounted receiving a WhatsApp message from the now-deceased Dr. Frederick Mac Palm on November 8, 2018, during his United Nations Pre-Deployment Training Course in Uganda. The message referred to his lecture at the Institute of Democratic Governance and discussed Take Action Ghana (TAG), an NGO headed by Mac Palm. The message inquired about ACP Agordzo’s interest in joining TAG.

    The term “big bang” was brought up in their conversation, which ACP Agordzo explained was misunderstood and taken out of context by the prosecution. He clarified that he used the term to refer to forming various sub-groups within TAG, not as a reference to any coup attempt.

    In light of these circumstances, ACP Agordzo criticized the NIB for erroneously interpreting his words and attributing them to an alleged coup attempt, when they were actually related to benign organizational activities.

  • Barker-Vormawor slapped with fresh treason charges

    Barker-Vormawor slapped with fresh treason charges

    FixTheCountry convener Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been slapped with fresh treason charges.

    The charges were filed by the Attorney-General of Ghana.

    The youth activist is accused of plotting to overthrow government and was previously arraigned on the charge of Treason Felony.

    His lawyers got the court to agree there were legal challenges with the processes filed against him. The AG as a result filed fresh charges. The new charges were read to the youth activist on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

    However, the FixTheCountry convener has exercised his rights under Ghana’s laws to refuse to indicate whether he is guilty or not guilty in the fresh Treason Felony charges levelled against him.

    “I want to exercise my rights to refuse to plead under section 238,” Mr Barker-Vormawor told the court.

    Section 238 of Ghana’s Criminal and other offences (Procedure) ACT, 1950 (ACT 30) permits a permit to refuse to plead to a charge against him.

    “Where an accused person who is arraigned on or charged with an indictment stands mute of malice or neither will nor by reason of infirmity can answer directly to the indictment, the court may cause a plea of “not guilty” to be entered on behalf of the accused.

    A plea of “not guilty entered on behalf of the accused shall have the same effect as if the accused had so pleaded or else the court shall proceed to try the accused…”

    The court, therefore, entered a “not guilty” plea in its records. The case has been adjourned to June 7.

  • Putin assents bill that gives treasoners life sentences

    Putin assents bill that gives treasoners life sentences

    Vladimir Putin has signed a decree formally increasing the maximum sentence Russians found guilty of treason will must face, being a life sentences.

    The move, which is part of a drive to suppress dissent since the start of the war in Ukraine, was posted on the Kremlin website and increases the penalties for treason, terrorism, and aiding the work of international organisations.

    Lawmakers had already voted to boost the longest sentences for treason to life, up from 20 years.

    Legislators also approved raising the maximum sentence for carrying out “a terrorist act” – defined as a deed which endangered lives and was aimed at destabilising Russia – to 20 years, from 15 years at present.

    Those found guilty of sabotage could also go to jail for 20 years, up from 15, while people convicted of “international terrorism” could be sentenced to life, up from 12 years. 

    The decree did not explain what “international terrorism” is.

    Mr Putin signed the new decree at a time when rights groups say authorities are stepping up efforts to quieten the few voices of opposition that remain.

    But Russia says such laws are required to protect the country from infiltration by Ukraine and Western intelligence agencies.

  • Provide lawyer for alleged coup plotter – Court orders Legal Aid

    Provide lawyer for alleged coup plotter – Court orders Legal Aid

    The Accra High Court yes­terday ordered the Director of Legal Aid to provide a lawyer for Allan Debrah, one of the 10 accused standing trial for treason.

    A three-member panel of judges presided over by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe gave the order after the accused told the court he was unable to hire a lawyer be­cause he could not afford the fees.

    The case has been adjourned to March 13, to enable the lawyer for Debrah to study the documents and conduct a cross-examination.

    Ten accused, including senior police and military officers, had been charged with conspiracy to commit treason, high treason and abetment.

    ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo and Col. Kojo Gamelie have been charged with abetment.

    The eight others, Dr. Frederick Yao Mac Palm, Donya Kafui, Bright Allan Debrah aka Bright Allan Yeboah, Yohannes Zikpi, WO II Esther Saan, Corporal Se­idu Abubakar, LAC Ali Solomon and Col Sylvester Akanpewon, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit treason and high treason.

    All the accused have pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail.

    It is the case of the prosecution that the accused used Take Action Ghana (TAG) as a platform to mobilise in order to destabilise the country and overthrow the government.

    The prosecution said as part of the plot, Dr. Mac-Palm, who is accused of being the mastermind, along with Kafui and Debrah, had planned to kidnap the President, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief of the Defence Staff and force the Presi­dent to announce his overthrow.

    “Again, there were discussions on whether or not to kill the President in the process of over­throwing the government,” the prosecution said.

    Concerning ACP Agordzo, it said he joined a WhatsApp plat­form of TAG created by Dr. Mac-Palm, where the group discussed a planned demonstration, which was likened to the Arab Spring.

    He said ACP Agordzo donat­ed GH¢2,000 to TAG to aid its cause and also drafted a speech for Dr. Mac-Palm to be read at the planned demonstration by TAG.

  • Man pleads guilty to treason over Queen’s crossbow threat

    Man pleads guilty to treason over Queen’s crossbow threat

    A man who came to Windsor Castle carrying a crossbow and claiming to be there to “kill the Queen” has admitted guilt to a charge of treason.

    Due to the Covid pandemic, Jaswant Singh Chail, a resident of Hampshire, was detained on Christmas Day 2021 while the late monarch was residing at Windsor.

    Chail, 21, earlier entered a guilty plea to three charges at the Old Bailey.

    He is the first person to be found guilty of treason in the UK since 1981.

    Chail, from North Baddesley, near Southampton, also admitted making threats to kill and possessing the loaded weapon in the castle.

    The Queen
    Image caption,The Queen had been staying at Windsor, rather than spending Christmas as usual on her Sandringham estate

    He was spotted by a royal protection officer in a private section of the castle grounds just after 08:10 GMT on 25 December 2021.

    The officer was at a gate, leading to the monarch’s private apartments.

    Chail had climbed into the grounds using a nylon rope ladder, and had already been there for about two hours.

    He was wearing a hood and a mask, and was described as “like something out of a vigilante movie”.

    The officer took out his Taser, and asked him: “Morning, can I help, mate?” Chail replied: “I am here to kill the Queen.”

    The protection officer immediately told Chail to drop the crossbow, get on his knees, and put his hands on his head. Chail complied and then said again: “I am here to kill the Queen.”

    Windsor Castle
    Image caption,Jaswant Singh Chail climbed into the grounds using a nylon rope ladder

    The crossbow was found to be loaded with a bolt and the safety catch was off.

    Chail was also carrying a handwritten note, which read: “Please don’t remove my clothes, shoes and gloves, masks etc, don’t want post-mortem, don’t want embalming, thank you and I’m sorry.”

    In a video posted on Snapchat minutes before he entered the castle, Chail said: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry for what I’ve done and what I will do. I will attempt to assassinate Elizabeth, Queen of the Royal Family.

    “This is revenge for those who have died in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It is also revenge for those who have been killed, humiliated and discriminated on because of their race.”

    Chail is currently in Broadmoor Hospital, where he appeared in court via a remote video link.

  • Gambia coup: Police, civilians charged in connection with last month’s coup

    Gambia coup: Police, civilians charged in connection with last month’s coup

    The three men were accused of conspiring to commit a crime and concealing treason. They dispute the accusations.

    They have been accused of plotting and concealing information about the attempted overthrow of President Adama Barrow in October and December 2022 in Banjul, the nation’s capital, and other locations.

    They were also accused of failing to alert the appropriate authorities after learning of a plot to remove President Barrow from office from the alleged ringleader.

    Last week, a national security adviser said civilians were involved with their role being to finance the alleged foiled coup.

    In December, the government said it had thwarted an attempt to stage a coup and arrested some soldiers.

    This is the first time the accused people have been taken to court. The military personnel will be taken to a court martial.

    Source: BBC.com

  • Treason in Ghana may not be a crime afterall

    The above statement emanates from the cardinal principle of law that an act does not constitute a crime if the statute books have not written that THAT PARTICULAR ACT is a crime AND the corresponding punishment clearly stated.

    This is why the highest law of the land, the 1992 Constitution, has stated in Article 19(11) that: “No person shall be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence is defined and the penalty for it is prescribed in a written law.”

    For instance, the crime of murder is defined and the penalty for it also prescribed in Sections 47 and 46 respectively of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

    The aforementioned Section 47 provides as follows: “A person who intentionally causes the death of another person by an unlawful harm commits murder, unless the murder is reduced to manslaughter by reason of an extreme provocation, or any other matter of partial excuse, as is mentioned in section 52.”

    Thus the crime is clearly defined; Section 46 also provides as follows: “A person who commits murder is liable to suffer death.” Thus, the penalty for it is prescribed in a written law.

    Treason is defined in the 1992 Constitution as follows: “Treason shall consist only-

    Read:Coup plot: BNI cages Agordzor for treason

    (a) in levying war against Ghana or assisting any state or person or inciting or conspiring with any person to levy war against Ghana; or

    (b) in attempting by force of arms or other violent means to overthrow the organs of government established by or under this Constitution; or

    (c) in taking part or being concerned in or inciting or conspiring with any person to make or take part or be concerned in, any such attempt.” (See Article 19(17))

    The act of Treason has eluded both the legislative and executive arms of successive Governments over the years because even though it has been very well defined it does not have any punishment at all prescribed for it.

    The closest one may come to finding a prescribed punishment in our laws is Section 182 of the aforementioned Act 29, and this is the provision many resort as the punishment for treason.

    It says: “A person commits a treason felony and is punishable as for a first degree felony who

    (a) prepares or endeavours to procure by unlawful means an alteration of the law or of the policies of the Government, or

    Read:Koku Anyidoho walks free as State drops treason charges

    (b) prepares or endeavours to carry out by unlawful means an enterprise which usurps the executive powers of the Republic in a matter of both a public and a general nature. “

    Let me at this point state that treason felony and treason are not the same offences.

    Apart from the difference in definitions as can be seen in our local laws, many other jurisdictions, including where we clearly copied our Criminal Offences Act from, have completely separate enactment for treason felony and treason.

    Thus, there has since been the Treason Act and Treason Felony Act 1848 of the United Kingdom. The difference between treason and treason felony is acknowledged at common law.

    In the case of R v. Gallagher (1883) Cox C. C., three members of the Fenian Brotherhood were found guilty of the treason felony of levying war against the Queen; their intention was to destroy public buildings by nitro-glycerine and other explosions in order to produce “the freedom of Ireland by force alone”.

    According to the Court although they were only charged with treason felony it was clear that they could have rather been charged with the offence treason. This exemplifies the difference between treason and treason felony.

    So we can conclude that Section 182 of Act 29 does not at all prescribe a punishment or classify treason as a first degree felony; rather it is clearly speaking of and only of treason felony.

    Read:Nine charged with treason felony over plot to destabilise the country

    Though Section 180 of the same Act is titled Treason, the provision itself only speaks about High Treason which is also very different from Treason. It provides inter alia that: “A person who commits high treason is liable to suffer death.” High Treason has also been defined in Article 3(3) as follows: “Any person who

    (a) by himself or in concert with others by any violent or other unlawful means, suspends or overthrows or abrogates this Constitution or any part of it, or attempts to do any such act; or

    (b) aids and abets in any manner any person referred to in paragraph (a) of this clause; commits the offence of high treason and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to suffer death.”

    Now that we know that there is no crime without its punishment prescribed in a written law, and we also know the difference between Treason, Treason Felony, and High Treason, we can safely conclude by saying that Treason itself may not be a crime in Ghana yet. I humbly ask the learned Attorney General and Parliament to take a look at this lacuna that for decades has been left in our law books.

    And for the avoidance of doubt Article 19(2) of the Constitution relates to crime in general and should be read as a whole, paying keen cognisance to Clause 2(i) of the same Article.

    Source:theghanareport.com

  • Nine charged with treason felony over plot to destabilise the country

    The state has charged nine persons accused of plotting to destabilise the country with treason felony.

    The nine included Dr. Fredrick Mac Palm, Col. Samuel Kojo Gameli, Geshong Akpa, WO2 Esther Doku, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Lance Corporal Albert Baba Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Sylvester Akapewu and Corporal Seidu Abubakar.

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    They were initially charged with possession of explosives, arms and ammunitions without excuse but had the charge dropped except for Frederick Mac Palm, Donya Kafui and Bright Alan Debrah.

    According to the prosecution, the accused persons are members of an NGO, Take Action Ghana, and they planed to demonstrate and topple the government.

    The prosecution added that the accused persons began plotting from June 2019 to September 2019.

    In the facts read to the court, the prosecution said after drawing up the plan, Dr. Mac Palm contacted Geshong Akpa to supply weapons for them to be able to carry it out.

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    They then contacted the senior military officer, Colonel Samuel Gameli and the other soldiers who agreed to join the plan.

    The accused persons are reported to have drawn up a plan to target some key installations including the Jubilee House, the Ghana Broadcast Corporation, the National police trading school, 37 Military Hospital and Burma Camp.

    Dr. Mac Palm, according to the prosecution, also contacted a blacksmith, Danya Kafui, to manufacture arms and explosives for the plan.

    Source: Citinewsroom.com