Suspect’s ‘Confession’ Doesn’t End J.B Danquah Case

A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has said the voluntary confession of Daniel Asiedu, the prime suspect standing trial in the J.B Danquah murder case in court, does not bring finality to the trial.

The lawyer argues that the trial process will still have to run its full course to ensure that justice is truly served both the alleged murderer, and the late MP.

Daniel Asiedu told the court on Wednesday that he was contracted by some persons in the NPP to kill the late Abuakwa North legislator.

Giving a voluntary confession in court on Wednesday, he threatened to name persons who supposedly hired him.

Speaking on Eyewitness News however, Mr. Kpebu said Daniel Asiedu’s confession does not warrant his conviction.

He further stated that prosecution will still have to submit a much stronger evidence to prove that the suspect actually committed the crime before the case can be closed.

“The bottom line is that the confession is not sufficient enough to convict him because the prosecution has to go through the process to show how he did it for the jury to be satisfied. For murder, the person is on death roll so we have to be absolutely sure that he really committed it.”

Asked whether the court would have to take notice of what Daniel Asiedu said on Wednesday, the lawyer said “it depends on the real business before the court. If the evidence the AG will use to prosecute is not before the judge they do not take note of such confession, but if it is ready, then it will be written down and added to the order for him to go to the High Court. ”

Background
Daniel Asiedu and one other person Vincent Bosso, have been charged with murder and abetment for the murder of the late MP.

Asiedu had earlier said that he went to the MP's house to steal but ended up killing him in self-defense.

He, however, withdrew these claims and stated that he had gone with the intention of killing the legislator.

Background
The late J.B Danquah-Adu was stabbed to death on February 9, 2016, at his Shiashie residence in Accra.

Daniel Asiedu, who was the prime suspect, was arrested two days after the incident.

One other person was also arrested later in connection with the killing.

The murder of the former MP shocked many, and led to discussions concerning the security of legislators.

Autopsy challenges
The brouhaha over the autopsy report was just another twist in the legal process meant to bring the alleged perpetrators to justice.

Asiedu and Bosso were on trial at the High Court after more than a year of committal proceedings at the district court.

But on May 29, 2017, they were discharged by the High Court after the Attorney-General filed a nolle prosequi to discontinue with prosecution.

They were subsequently re-arrested and re-arraigned.