The trial of Safina Adizatu Mohammed, popularly known as Safina Diamond, over the alleged murder of Ghanaian-Canadian resident Frank Kofi Osei is expected to begin in January 2027, more than four years after the incident that led to his death.
The case, which is being heard at the Accra High Court, has experienced several delays since 2022. Recent reports indicate that the first prosecution witness is scheduled to testify on January 12, 2027, as proceedings move towards the presentation of evidence.
Safina has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is standing trial before a seven-member jury. The prosecution is expected to call nine witnesses to support its case.
According to the prosecution’s account, Osei, 37, visited Safina at her apartment near Ashaley Botwe School Junction in Accra in July 2022. Investigators later found his body near his Toyota Tundra pickup, with multiple stab wounds to his upper torso.
The circumstances surrounding Osei’s death became the focus of a police investigation, which led to Safina being charged in connection with the incident. The prosecution is expected to present evidence concerning the events leading up to the death and the movements of the individuals allegedly involved.
During the investigation, Safina reportedly gave different accounts of what happened. Prosecutors allege that she initially told investigators she stabbed Osei during an argument. They further claim that she later said she had left him in the apartment and returned to find him dead.
These accounts form part of the prosecution’s case and will need to be examined during the trial. The court will assess the evidence presented by both sides before determining whether the charge has been proved.
The prosecution has also alleged that Michael Fiifi Ampofo Arku travelled from Kumasi to Accra and assisted in moving Osei’s body from the apartment to an area near the vehicle. Reports indicate that Arku subsequently provided an alibi suggesting he was not present when the killing occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged movement of the body and the accounts given by the individuals connected to the case are expected to be relevant as the prosecution presents its evidence.
The proceedings have faced several adjournments since the case began in 2022. Among the reported challenges were delays associated with empanelling the jury and replacing a juror, extending the period before the substantive hearing could progress.
The latest scheduling of the first prosecution witness is therefore an important procedural development in a case that has remained before the courts for years.
The trial is expected to give the prosecution an opportunity to outline its evidence and allow the defence to challenge the allegations. The testimony of witnesses and the examination of relevant evidence will be central to establishing the circumstances surrounding Osei’s death.
The case has attracted public interest because of the length of time between the incident and the anticipated start of witness testimony. However, the legal process must be allowed to proceed without treating allegations as established facts.
Safina remains presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The court’s eventual decision will depend on the evidence presented and the applicable law.
Source: Thepressradio.com
