Asabee released by BNI

Asabee released by BNI

The detained former Information Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng has been granted bail by Bureau of National Investigations.

He was released to his lawyers Saturday evening and expected to report to the BNI Monday, August 17, 2009.

It expected that he will be taken to court Monday by the BNI, where nine charges brought against him will be heard.

Mr Asamoah Boateng was arrested Thursday when he presented himself to officials of the BNI.

The bureau had been looking for him to serve him with criminal sermons but he was at his village participating in social activities.

Following reports that he was being sought by the BNI, he indicated his willingness to submit himself.

Government spokespersons say Asabee had been billed to appear before the BNI and certain date but he failed to show.

Subsequently the BNI secured an arrest warrant but Asabee accompanied by his wife and lawyers voluntarily turned up at the Accra offices of the bureau.

Reports says officials of the BNI insisted on questioning without his lawyers but they resisted that. Later that Thursday, the former Information Minister was detained.

It was expected that he would be sent to court Friday, but the BNI went to a Fast-Track High Court to proffer nine charges including conspiracy to defraud the state against him and five others.

His lawyers applied for bail but it was turned down.

Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline/Ghana