Judge warns Shatta Wale

The Adjabeng magistrate court in Accra presided over by His Worship, Mr Isaac Addo has issued a stern warning to Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale if he fails to appear in court at the next adjourned date.

Should Shatta Wale default in honouring the court date, a bench warrant for his arrest will follow, according to the court.Shatta Wale who together with Stonebwoy are standing trial for offensive misconduct during the last edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, was not present in court on Wednesday when the prosecution was expected to call its first witness.

When the case was called, Stonebwoy was present with his lawyer but Shatta Wale and his lawyer were both absent.Prosecution led by Superintendent Emelia Asante, then prayed the court for a bench warrant to be issued for the arrest of the musician.

It was the case of Superintendent Asante that the accused person was delaying the trial due to his continuous absence from court.She explained that the prosecution’s first witness has a tight schedule but had managed to come to court only for the case to be adjourned.

The magistrate court subsequently initiated the bench warrant but his lawyer Jerry Avenorgbo appeared on time and pleaded for the court to temper justice with mercy.The Magistrate said both the second accused (Shatta Wale) and his lawyer are playing with the court, a development the court is unhappy about.

“Second accused and his lawyer are playing with the court. For a very long time, he has not appeared in court.”Jerry Avenyorgbo prior to the court rescinding its earlier decision had said his client was on his way to court.

He was obliged some time to get through with his client on the phone, but he returned to inform the court that he could not get through to him.He then pleaded with the court to rescind its earlier decision and received backing from Stonebwoy’s lawyer who added his voice to the plea.

His Worship Mr Addo, consequently warned that he would not tolerate such actions from both parties and would go ahead to take any decision against them if it was repeated.The case has been adjourned to November 4.