Jury Finds ‘Sexy Don Don’ Not Guilty in JB Danquah’s Murder

The murder trial of Daniel Asiedu, accused of killing former Abuakwa North MP JB Danquah, is set for a retrial after the jury delivered a split decision of 4-3 in favor of a not guilty verdict.

The presiding judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, discharged the jury in accordance with Section 285(4) of the Criminal and Other Offenses (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), ruling that the verdict was inconclusive and insufficient for further action. Despite this decision, Asiedu remains in custody.

The case, dating back to 2016, centers around allegations that Asiedu robbed and fatally stabbed JB Danquah at his home. After undergoing psychiatric evaluation and being declared fit for trial, Asiedu’s trial began in February 2021.

The retrial aims to address unresolved questions and seek a definitive resolution in this high-profile case.

Case Facts

According to the prosecution, Asiedu accessed the late MP’s home using a ladder, as the security officer on duty was reportedly asleep. A violent struggle ensued between Asiedu and Danquah, during which the MP was stabbed in the chest and neck, and three phones were stolen. Investigations revealed that Asiedu had a knife wound on his palm and had washed blood from his hands at a nearby house.

Asiedu allegedly handed the phones to a family friend of his girlfriend to charge and unlock them. This friend, the third prosecution witness, later discovered photos of the deceased MP on one of the phones and contacted Ursula Owusu, whose report to the police led to Asiedu’s arrest.

Prosecution’s Case

The state presented eight witnesses, including Samuel Berko Sarkodie, the MP’s driver, and Stephen Apraku, the security guard who testified to the suspicious movement of a ladder at the crime scene. The prosecution also called two witnesses who were related to the accused and testified about his involvement in the crime.

Other witnesses included a pathologist who determined the cause of death was exsanguination from multiple stab wounds, a DNA analyst who found traces of the accused’s DNA at the crime scene, and the investigator who stated that Asiedu admitted to the crime.

The prosecution argued that the evidence firmly linked Asiedu to the murder and robbery, urging the jury to convict him.

Defense’s Argument

Asiedu’s defense team, led by Rev. Yaw Darkwa, argued that the prosecution’s case was fabricated. The defense questioned the lack of forensic testing on the alleged murder weapon and criticized the handling of the phones and the pathologist’s report, which was written two years after the incident. Darkwa also raised doubts about the DNA analysis, claiming the expert was not qualified to testify.

The defense called for Asiedu’s acquittal, asserting that the evidence against him was insufficient and unreliable.

Jury’s Verdict

After deliberations, the jury returned a 4-3 verdict of not guilty on both the robbery and murder charges. The case will now proceed to a retrial.