The trial of a 15-year-old juvenile and an 18-year-old young offender for the murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdellah has been met with a delay as the presiding judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, announced that the summing up was not ready.
The case, which was expected to have a verdict on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, has faced a setback as the court cited "circumstances beyond its control" for the adjournment to June 24 for closing addresses and summing up.
The trial, which concluded on February 14, saw the Prosecution calling seven witnesses including the father, mother, and sister of the 15-year-old juvenile. The young offender's case ended after his lawyers indicated not calling any witnesses, following which the State Prosecutors signaled the end of their cross-examination.
The delay in the summing up has left the family of the late Ishmael Mensah Abdella disappointed, as they were present in court for the expected verdict.
Justice Lydia Osei Marfo has ordered the parties to file their final closing addresses by March 14, with further directives to be made after compliance with oral addresses to the jury and the court's subsequent summing up of the trial.
The 15-year-old juvenile has admitted to the offense, stating that they "committed the crime together," while the young offender has denied the charges of conspiracy and murder.
As the trial continues to unfold, all parties involved await the next steps in this tragic case. The intricacies of the legal process are at play, and the pursuit of justice for Ishmael Mensah Abdella remains at the forefront of this trial.
-source Starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
