Bail is possible for all crimes, but is currently unlikely

The suspect, Nana Poku Piesie, has confessed to sleeping with a 14-year-old girl

Afia Pokua, popularly known as ‘Vim Lady’, has commented on the arrest of a presenter who admitted to sleeping with a 14-year-old girl.

She stressed that, despite public outrage over his continued detention, he was entitled to bail like any other suspect.

She explained that while the seriousness of his case suggested that he should remain in custody pending investigation, the Supreme Court had ruled that all criminal charges were available.

This ruling came after private lawyer Martin Kpebu petitioned the Supreme Court between 2015 and 2016 in a case against the Attorney General.

The court’s decision in Kpebu vs. Attorney General established that bail is now possible for all crimes.

Vim Lady stressed that judges now have the power to grant bail to all suspects. Previously, bail was prohibited by law for crimes such as murder, subversion, treason, robbery, kidnapping, piracy, rape, desecration and escape from lawful custody.

“Anyone who thinks the man will not be released should understand that the law has changed. The Supreme Court ruling means that all crimes are eligible for bail. The Martin Kpebu case has brought about this change and allows judges to grant bail for any crime,” she explained.

She added that the suspect’s lawyer has the right to request bail while the investigation continues.

However, she noted that the suspect was unlikely to be released on bail because of his self-incriminating behavior in the video circulating online in which he admitted to the crime.

“Although the judge has the right to grant him bail, it is very unlikely at the moment. He could spend a week in custody because of his behaviour in the video. Even if his lawyer pleads for bail, it is unlikely that it will be granted,” she concluded.

background

Sompa FM presenter Nana Poku Piesie, also known as Kwabena, confessed to having sex with a minor who was then in grade six.

In a video shared online, he recounted how he had a sexual relationship with the girl from the age of 14 until she entered the Kumasi Academy.

His confession led to numerous public calls for his arrest, including from celebrities.

EB/OGB