High Court sentences 5 Western Togoland members to 5 years in Hard Labour. The 1st Ewe

The 1st accused person, Ebenezer Gblorkpor was found guilty and convicted on Counts 1, 2 and 4.
The 2nd accused person, Afetorgbor Kpogo was found guilty and convicted on Count 1.

The 3rd accused person. Joseph Nyamewu, the 4th accused person, Wisdom Kuvor and the 5th accused person Israel Bessah Kpexor were all found guilty and convicted on Counts 3 and 4.

The charges under SMCD 20 proffered against the accused persons were;
Count 1: Attending meetings of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(b) of SMCD 20
Count 2: Making Contributions to the funds of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(g) of SMCD 20
Count 3: Participating in the Campaign of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(d) of SMCD 20
Count 4: Being a member of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(i) of SMCD 20.

Lawyer for the accused persons Andrew Kudzo Vortia prayed the court to take into consideration the number of days spent in custody during the trial.

“They’ve spent 2 years and 7 months in custody. Youthfulness of convicts. They’re in their prime of their life. All below 35 years. Have a lot of life to live.”

But Assistant State Attorney, Derrick Ackah argued that the convicts attacked 2 police stations, blocked roads and attacked police officers.

After considering both submissions, presiding Judge Mary Yanzuh sentenced the quintet to 5 years for each count of offense with the sentencing expected to run concurrently.

By uniquenewsgh.com