Gbagbo Boy In Court

Kone Katinan Justin

THE EX-IVORIAN Minister, Kone Katinan Justin, who has been detained by Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), was yesterday brought to an Accra Human Rights court as ordered by the judge.

The court presided over by Justice Kofi Essel Mensah ordered the BNI to produce his body and explain why they were keeping him in custody after granting a habeas corpus application by his lawyers last Tuesday.

In complying with the order, the BNI officials produced him but the chief state attorney, Merley Wood, who represented the state in the matter, informed the court that she had just yesterday morning filed an affidavit in opposition to the application by the lawyers.

Patrick Sorgbodzor, who represented the applicant, confirmed that he had received his copy and had also filed a supplementary affidavit in support of their application.

The trial judge also acknowledged the fact that he had received his copy but said he would need time to study the bulky document and adjourned the matter to September 5, 2012.

Lawyers for ex-Ivorian minister Kone Katinan Justin secured a habeas corpus writ to compel the director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to produce their client in court on Friday.

Mr. Justin, a key ally of former Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo, was arrested on Friday by national security operatives based on an arrest warrant issued by Ivorian authorities.

He was arrested at the KotokaInternationalAirporton his return to Ghanafrom South Africa.

Justin holds a refugee card from the Ghana Refugee Board which is also recognized by the UNHCR.

The Attorney-General is reportedly studying the extradition instruments to know the next step to take.

By Mary Anane