Power outage stalls trial of Exopa boss

Ibrahim Sima

The trial of the chief executive of the Exopa Modelling Agency, Mr Sima Ibraham, has been adjourned following a power outage at the court.

The Chief Justice Court 1, presided over by Justice Charles Quist, said the case could not be heard on Wednesday because the court – which is automated – could not work without electricity.

Lawyer for Sima, Mr Kwame Akuffo, is said to have requested that the case be heard Thursday as the adjournment was brought on by a mere power outage.

But state prosecutors pleaded for more time, arguing they had uncovered fresh evidence against Mr Ibrahim, Joy News' Sammy Darko reported.

The Judge upheld the argument of the prosecutors and postponed hearing to October 7, 2009.

The court however granted a request by Mr Akuffo for the German consulate in Accra to speak to Mr Ibrahim who is said to be a German citizen.

The Exopa boss has been slapped with charges of attempting to export unlawful substance and possession of unlawful substance, both of which he has denied.

Sima Ibrahim was busted at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on the night of Monday September 7, 2009 when he allegedly attempted to export cocaine inserted into four tubers of yam.

The model came into the limelight when he recently organised the first-ever three-day fashion festival dubbed “Exopa Fashion Weekend” in Accra – a show graced by Hollywood actor Boris Cudjoe and his wife Nicole.

Story by Fiifi Koomson / Myjoyonline / Ghana