A 21-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, Hope Nunekpeku, stood trial at the Amasaman Circuit Court, accused of attempted robbery. During cross-examination, Nunekpeku revealed that he carried a cutlass for protection while working, citing a past experience of motorbike theft. He vehemently denied any criminal intentions, stating that the cutlass was solely for self-defense.
Nunekpeku’s trial stems from his arrest on December 4, 2023, after a commercial bus driver reported suspicious activity. The driver had been waiting to deliver items to his wife when Nunekpeku and his alleged accomplice, Dickson, approached him. Upon confrontation, Dickson fled, and the driver alerted the police, leading to Nunekpeku’s arrest. Dickson remains at large, having escaped with the motorcycle.
During the cross-examination, Nunekpeku questioned General Lance Corporal Samuel Boafo, one of the arresting officers, about the circumstances of his arrest. Boafo confirmed that Nunekpeku had not used the cutlass to commit a crime but denied being informed about the cutlass at the time of the arrest. The cutlass was discovered only after a search.
Nunekpeku also challenged Police Detective Chief Inspector Enock K. Agorkpa’s claim that the cutlass was not solely for self-defense. Agorkpa maintained that Nunekpeku had an ulterior motive for carrying the cutlass and attempted to use it to commit a crime.
The court, presided over by Ms. Enid Marful-Sau, ruled that a prima facie case had been established against Nunekpeku, instructing him to present his defense. As the trial continues, Nunekpeku’s claims of self-defense will be scrutinized, and the court will determine his fate.
