Lawyer Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu faced off with judges in open court as he bluntly told a three-member-panel of judges hearing the case of alleged coup plot that they must treat the bar with respect.
According to counsel, it was only fair that the court accord the lawyers in the case respect for the same to be reciprocated at the bench.
A report by a local news portal, anyazia.com, said Mr Adawudu temper hit the roof as he went personal with the only male on the panel- Justice Stephen Oppong – telling His Lordship not to shout on him when he asked him to sit down.
Mr Adawudu who is representing four of now nine accused persons, anger spiralled from the moment he was denied re-examining of his client, Kafui Donya aka Ezor whom he lost the opportunity to led to open his defence.
Kafui (A2) was led to give his evidence-in-chief by the court on Monday, after it was told by Mr. Adawudu’s pupil that the latter was unwell, and therefore, would not be present.
The court declined the re-examination on the grounds that it’s only permissible on point of law to clear any ambiguity but not to cross-examine the accused.
The panel, which the other members are Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe and Hafisata Amaleboba, indicated to Mr Adawudu that instead of sending his able assistant to conduct his case at his absence, rather he sent a pupil who is not licensed to practice law.
Mr. Adawudu rebutted the claim and told the court that he was absent on the last adjourned date because he needed to take care of his health.
Justice Oppong interjected and stated that nobody has prevented him from taking care of his health, however, irrespective of whether a lawyer in a case is present or not the law permits the court to carry out its duty.
Mr. Adawudu without wasting time, questioned the bench why it adjourned proceedings on several occasions when a member is indisposed but the same gesture couldn’t be extended to the bar.
When His Lordship Oppong cautioned him not to speak back to the bench, Mr Adawudu simply lost it and responded with fury that the bar will only reciprocates respect from the bench.
Justice Oppong, therefore, raised his voice demanding that Mr. Adawudu sits down, and that was the last straw, as the counsel made it crystal clear to the judge that he cannot shout on him.
Mr. Adawudu is representing Kafui Donya, civilian, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon, and Corporal Seidu Abubaka, all personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The others are Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu aka Bright Alan Yeboah aka BB, civilian, Johannes Zikpi, GAF civilian employees, Col. Samuel Kodzo Gameli, senior military officer, WOII Esther Saan Dekuwine, GAF personnel), and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo (Senior police officer).
The court has given a week adjournment to enable the bar to study a document filed by Mr. Adawudu that most of the lawyers said they didn’t have copies.