Trial of Two Prison Escapees Set for January 27
Accused face charges of conspiracy to escape custody and causing damage following a failed escape attempt from Manet Police Station Cells
- Ayoma and Klu, both remand prisoners, are charged with escape, conspiracy, and causing damage
- The failed escape occurred in March 2023, with Ayoma later apprehended in May
- The trial will begin on January 27 with three witnesses set to testify
An Accra Circuit Court has set January 27 for the trial of two prisoners accused of escaping from the Manet Police Station Cells.
The date follows the completion of the prosecution’s necessary disclosures.
The defendants, Pius Anundoabil Ayoma, 23, an electrician, and Godwin Klu, 26, a tiler, face charges of conspiracy to escape lawful custody and causing unlawful damage. Both men have pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, revealed that the two were being held on remand at the Manet Police Station. Ayoma is facing charges of robbery, attempted murder, and rape, while Klu is charged with theft.
The two were previously on trial at the High Court (Criminal Court 5). Klu had been sentenced to four years in prison before the escape attempt.
According to the prosecution, while arrangements were underway to transfer the defendants to prison, they orchestrated a plan to escape.
The two managed to break the burglar bars on their cell window and tear through the wire mesh and mosquito netting to create an opening. On March 2, 2023, Klu tried to escape but failed due to his size, and Ayoma became stuck in the bars. Klu assisted him, but neither could escape.
After Klu’s transfer to Ankaful Prisons, a search was launched for Ayoma. On May 4, 2023, he was captured in Afienya, where he admitted to his escape attempt during questioning. The trial will continue with witness testimony.
