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A bail application by the lawyer for the Volta Regional Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr Mathew Oyih, who has been charged with defilement, has been refused by the Ho Circuit Court.

His counsel, Mr Ernest Gaewu, who sought a breather for his client yesterday, prayed the court, presided over by Mr Emmanuel Ayesu–Essampong, to grant the accused bail.

This followed the failure of the complainant and the victim to show up for the third time for hearing to continue.

Counsel indicated that the accused was prepared to prove his innocence and, therefore, would avail himself for the trial when granted bail.

No bail

However, the trial judge declined counsel’s wish stating that the reason given to the court did not warrant the bail for the accused.       

The judge then adjourned the case to April 21, 2015.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr Isaac A.A. Ahor, had informed the court in-camera that the police contacted the complainant, the victim’s elder sister and she promised to be in court yesterday but without giving any reason to the prosecution, both the complainant and the victim did not turn up.

Mr Oyih has been charged with alleged defilement of a 14–year-old pupil however, the 51-year old civil servant, who is currently on remand, has denied the offence. 

The 14-year old victim was expected to be cross-examined yesterday in camera after narrating her ordeal to the court during her first appearance. 

Facts of the case

According to ASP Ahor, the accused had had sex with the victim on several occasions.

He disclosed that in March 2015, the victim reportedly missed her period and informed the accused person, who suspecting that the victim might be pregnant, allegedly gave her some medicines and instructed her to swallow two and insert two into her sexual organs to abort the pregnancy.

On March 9, 2015, the victim was rushed to the Volta Regional Hospital in Ho after complaining of abdominal pains.

A report was then made to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) on March 23, 2015 and the victim was given a medical form to attend hospital.

Following a report issued by the hospital, the accused was arrested.

False accusation

In his caution statement, the accused denied the offence but admitted that the girl was his friend. 

In court on his first appearance, his lawyer, Mr Emil Atsu Agbakpe, described the statement of the prosecution as fabricated, adding that the prosecution was using the accused’s generosity towards the victim to nail him.