Murder suspect escapes from Police Cell

Anyagre Atinga-Dombire (a.k.a. Labista), a murder suspect has escaped from his prison cell at Bongo in the Upper East Region where he was being held on remand.

Labista is alleged to have severally stabbed a young man, Ayua Atinga to death on August 20, 2013 at Bongo-Soe in the Bongo district.

According to Mr Atiah Abonenga, a friend of the deceased, who witnessed the murder, the suspect had a confrontation with the deceased, a day before the incident. He said his deceased friend subsequently reported the matter to the suspect’s parents as he (the suspect) was considered as his younger brother.

Mr Abonenga added that on the day of the incident, the suspect again confronted them and asked why the deceased had gone to report him to his mother. This led to a misunderstanding and the suspect stabbed Ayua Atinga multiple times, leading to his death.

A formal report was made at the Bongo police station the next day, leading to the suspect’s arrest after being on the run for two weeks.

After being processed to appear in court on Wednesday, September 18, 2013, the suspect mysteriously escaped from his Bongo Prison cell where he was being held in custody.

Mr Jonathan Azubilla, a family member of the deceased told the GNA they suspect foul play as a Judge in Bolgatanga had directed the police to remand the suspect at the Navrongo Prisons but instead he was taken to Bongo.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Nelson Zan of the Bongo District Police told the court presided over by Magistrate Judge Lariba Yamusah that the suspect escaped from cell on September 16, 2013, and that his outfit was searching for him.

He said road blocks have been mounted all over the region to ensure that the suspect was aprehended to face the law.

The judge, who expressed anger at the incident, wondered how such a thing could occur in a district police station.

ASP Kwame Nimo, Bongo district police commander confirmed the escape of the murder suspect, and said the two police officers who were on duty on the night of the escape have been charged to produce the suspect within one week.

The officers, he said would definitely be punished according to laid down police regulations after facing a disciplinary panel.

The case has however been adjourned to September 25, 2013 for the suspect to be produced in court for continuation.

Source: GNA