Convicts before court for causing harm to inmate

Baba Ibrahim, a 30 year old convict who is serving a six year jail term at the Manhyia Prisons has been re-arraigned for allegedly putting his finger in the left eye of one of his colleagues, nearly blinding him.

His action was in revenge to his colleague, Moses Thandor Brego, reporting him to the authorities that he was wrapping leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

Ibrahim, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, has been sent back to the prisons to be brought on February 24, 2009.

Meanwhile, his colleague who had a swollen eye has been treatment and discharged at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Nana Amofah told the Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Mr Eric Baah that the complainant, Brego is also serving a two year jail term at the same prison.

He explained that for sometime, the relationship between the prisons authorities and Ibrahim has been sour since he quarrels with inmates, smokes and gets himself into other practices contrary to the prisons regulations.

Chief Inspector Amofah said, on December 2, 2008, the complainant spotted convict smoking a substance suspected to be “wee”, and made a report to the authorities.

Ibrahim, who was confronted by the officers in charge, had his cell changed.

This did not go down well with him and he threatened to deal with Brego in a whisper, which was heard by another inmate who also relayed the information to the authorities.

Ibrahim attacked Brego the same day at around 1600hr, by putting his finger with long finger nails into his eye, resulting in blood oozing out.

The prosecution said Brego was rushed to the Manhyia Hospital for treatment but was referred to KATH, and after investigation, Ibrahim was also charged.