THE CASE of Bishop Daniel Obinim, the founder and leader of God�s Way International Ministry, was yesterday adjourned to May 4 2012, following information that the prosecution witness who was to be cross-examined in the matter was indisposed.
Paul Kwame Ntim Okatakyie, the host of an Akan programme on Hot FM who was one of the journalists allegedly assaulted by Bishop Obinim, was supposed to be cross-examined yesterday after testifying in the case on the last adjourned date.
However, when the case was called, a colleague of his informed the trial judge, Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, that the witness was sick. Based on this information, the court adjourned the matter to the said date for the defence to do their cross-examination.
Obinim and two of his pastors are standing trial for allegedly assaulting two journalists at an Accra-based radio station, Hot FM, for discussing a matter involving him without first informing him about it.
The accused also destroyed studio equipment worth GH�130,850.
Obinim and his pastors, Kingsley Baah, 25, and Kofi Akwettey, 35, have been jointly charged with seven counts of unlawful entry, conspiracy to commit crime, to wit unlawful damage, causing unlawful damage, conspiracy to commit assault, and assault.
Obinim had an additional charge of assault. They pleaded not guilty and are on bail.
Mr. Okatakyie was led in evidence by Rebecca Adjalo, the state attorney, as he narrated what occurred on August 8, 2011.
Okatakyie, a broadcast journalist and the first prosecution witness, mentioned that the Bishop hit his ribs severally with a pinch bar, explaining that the Bishop was offended because they were discussing an issue involving him without informing him about it.
According to him, he was taken unawares by the three accused persons, who stormed the studio, where he was then making an announcement, and attacked him with a weapon.
Okatakyie noted that Bishop Obinim, during the attack, said �if you don�t kill me today, I will kill you�, to which he asked �what have I done, what have I done�.
He said he sustained injuries on the ribs and on his finger and had to attend hospital for treatment.
Okatakyie added that he was in the studio with his two producers, Shadrach Adu Yaw Ajebu and Adu Kumi, Rev. William Amoako-Atta, Mallam Alhassan and two boys he could not identify when the incident occurred.
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