Friday , March 29 2024

Alleged coup plotters’ lawyer alleges his private conversations are recorded

A defence lawyer in the case of nine persons charged with treason felony, Victor Adawudu has alleged that his clients’ rights are being abused while being kept in Military Custody.

He said anytime he visits them, he is not allowed to have conversations with them in private. He said he is allowed access only when an officer of the Defence Intelligence Department of the Armed forces is present.

This officer Mr. Adawudu alleged joins them during conference and records the discussion. Mr. Adawudu insisted this amounts to a breach of right to privacy and violates lawyer-client privilege.

The court earlier this month ordered that the soldiers among the 9 persons be kept in military custody following concerns by Lawyers that the BNI officials where not granting them access to their clients.

The nine standing trial are Dr Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, Dornyah “Ezor” Kafui (a local weapon manufacturer) ,Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu (aka BB or ADC)(freight manager).  Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli  and Gershun Akpa, a civilian employee of the Armed Forces , WO2 Esther Saan, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Sylvester Akanbiri.

Government in a statement released last month said a joint security operation on Friday led to the retrieval of several arms, explosive devices and ammunition from locations in Accra and Kpone-Bawaleshie in Dodowa.

The charge of possession of explosives, arms and ammunition without lawful excuse was also leveled against some of them.

ASP Asare on Monday informed the court he wasn’t aware lawyers interactions with clients was being recorded.

Mr. Adawudu reacted that he had written to the Director of Legal for the Armed forces to complain about this. ASP Asare said he will follow up on the matter.

The Magistrate hearing the matter expressed surprise at the submission by lawyer Adawudu.

She said this would mean that the prosecution would at all times have access to the strategies the defence legal team plots even before it matures. She asked that the prosecutors looks into the matter

 

Source : myjoyonline.com

Check Also

NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS PROTESTS

Nigeria is currently facing the worst economic crisis in their history. This hardship has led …