The prosecution in the trial of popular reggae musician, Lester Ekow Micah, 43, yesterday tendered the controversial dry leaves reportedly found at the residence of the accused.
D/Cprl. Richmond Ayayi, who submitted the substance suspected to be Indian hemp (wee/ganja), in his evidence, stated that the substance was sealed in the presence of Micah.
He told an Accra circuit court presided over by Aboagye Tandoh, that the accused appended his signature on the substance in the presence of witnesses before it was sent to the Airport Police Station.
Led in evidence by ACP Moses Atibilla, D/Cprl. Ayayi, narrating how he got to know the accused, said he was instructed by Chief Supt. Felix Anyidoho, the District Crime officer of the Airport Police Station, to assist in the investigation of an extortion case reported against Micah.
He said the accused also honoured the invitation by the police and was rearrested for investigation.
According to D/Cprl. Ayayi, Ekow Micah was cautioned in respect of the extortion case and escorted the police to his residence at Ogbojo near Kokrobitey in Accra.
Stranger
He explained that the reggae musician, instead of taking the police to his residence at Ogbojo, rather led them to a place at Lashibi and pointed a house to them (police) saying that was his abode.
D/Cprl. Ayayi further stated that when the occupants in the said house were asked, they said they did not know Micah and that he was a stranger.
He said it was after he (Micah) had finally taken the police to his residence that the substance was found.
The police officer said Micah admitted ownership of the substance, adding that he used it to “ginger himself” in his music carrier.
Cross-examining D/Cprl. Ayayi, lawyer John David Merson wondered if the police officer was aware that the accused said he used the substance to ginger himself, and he answered in the affirmative.
Witnesses
Although the prosecution had hinted calling three witnesses, ACP Atibilla said it had closed its case.
This brings to two the number of witnesses the prosecution had called to advance its case against Micah.
Meanwhile, the trial judge had said that it was important the court was told the quantity of the substance reportedly found in the residence of the accused.
The case has been adjourned until September 10, 2015.
