Fitzy Wahala, Lawyer In Trouble And Other Legal News

This week saw the birth of another chapter to the story about the intimate video of broadcast journalist, Serwaa Amihere.

In the latest twist in the saga, the newscaster for GH One Tv station reportedly lodged a criminal complaint with the Ghana Police against some identified persons. 

The complaint alleges inter alia that at least two persons attempted an extortion scheme through a make-up artist stating that the intimate video circulating on social media was therefore the result of her unyielding stance to the extortion.

The complaint (founded on section 23 of the Criminal Offences Act and section 67 of the Cyber Security Act) is therefore for the investigations and possible prosecution of Edem Savior, Candylove Kwakyewaa and Henry Fritz.

It should however be pointed out that when a criminal complaint is lodged, the State acting through the police conducts a thorough investigation and having satisfied itself of the evidence, may arraign the accused persons before the courts.

Also to consider is the burden/duty on the state to prove what it alleges beyond reasonable doubt: that the evidence adduced by the prosecution should be certain that accused persons conspired and engaged in the impugned conduct. 

There is also the possibility that the State after its investigations may not have enough evidence to arraign the accused persons before court, for generally, there is a settled legal consensus that prosecution of an accused should be avoided if the State determines that there is not enough evidence to obtain a conviction at the trial. 

In that case the matter truncates; of course, subject to and without prejudice of the right of the complainant to consider and pursue civil remedies in a civil forum. 

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There is a limit to disclosures by Politicians.

On 9^th April, 2024, the Supreme Court of India in Karikho Kri vs. Nuney Tayang and another ruled that, voters have no absolute right to information on all movable property owned by candidates contesting elections.

According to the Supreme Court, non-disclosure of every asset owned by candidates contesting for public office would not amount a defect of a substantial character stating “we are not inclined to accept the blanket proposition that a candidate is required to lay his life out threadbare for examination by the electorate”. 

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Lawyer and Court Clerk Convicted

On 8^th April 2024, a 66-year-old lawyer and Ex-court clerk in Manhattan, were convicted for a Cash-for-Clients Bribery Scheme.

The lawyer Telesforo Del Valle Jr. 65, pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy and was   handed 1-year sentence, and a fine of $10,000.  The scheme prosecutors intimate run from 2011 to 2022 and involved at least 45 criminal defendants in the southern district of New York.

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A Lawyer On A Killing Spree

On 8^th April 2024, a 77-year-old lawyer, Joseph Huston shot his ex-daughter-in-law and her current husband during a deposition in a child custody case, and took his life afterwards. On the fifth floor of a Law firm office building, Joseph Huston gunned down Ashley Prince, 30 and her husband, Dennis Prince, 57, who is the founder of the law firm.  According to the Metropolitan Police Department, it appears the gunman specifically targeted the victims.

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A Nigerian lawyer threatens suit against CEO of Erisco Foods

On 9^th April 2024, a human rights lawyer Inebehe Effiong threatened to sue  the CEO of Erisco Foods Limited. This follows allegations by the lawyer that   the CEO of Erisco foods Limited, Chief Eric Umeofia’s described him as a fake lawyer. lawyer Inebehe Effiong is thus demanding N100 million in damages and a written apology published in two national newspapers. 

Counsel Inebehe Effiong claims the statement by chief Eric Umeofia that he is fake lawyer is defamatory as same has caused him deep anxiety, loss of professional engagement and financial opportunities.