State prosecutors have formally charged Daniel Owusu Koranteng, the prime suspect in the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, with both abetment to commit murder and murder itself. The decision to update the charges came during a court hearing on Wednesday, April 2.

According to Chief Inspector Nana Afua Bamfo, Koranteng led two other suspects—currently at large—to Suale’s home, where the journalist was shot and killed by unknown assailants. Koranteng now faces accusations of aiding and abetting two other individuals in committing the murder.

The prosecution detailed how tensions escalated in June 2018, after former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong aired images of Suale on Net2 TV, inciting retribution against the journalist. The prosecution alleges that Suale confronted Koranteng after identifying him as the person who had shared his photos with Agyapong.

Suale was shot and killed on January 16, 2019, in Madina, shortly after his images were broadcast. Investigations revealed that Koranteng, familiar with Suale’s whereabouts, led the other alleged perpetrators to the journalist’s home, where the fatal shooting occurred.

Koranteng’s lawyer, Kofi Essel Hackman, petitioned the court for bail, arguing that his client had been in custody since March 12. “It’s only the court that can grant us bail. My lady, you need to save us from the powers of the state, particularly the Police,” Essel said in court.

However, the prosecution opposed the bail request, citing ongoing investigations and the risk that releasing Koranteng could interfere with efforts to apprehend the two remaining suspects. Judge Susan Nyarkotey ruled to keep Koranteng in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 17.

Source:TheDotNews