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Kasoa Teen Murderer Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

Nicholas Kini, one of the teenagers involved in the 2021 murder of a 10-year-old boy in Kasoa for a suspected money ritual, has been sentenced to life in prison by the High Court in Accra. The other accused, a minor, was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and murder but was referred to juvenile court for sentencing due to his age at the time of the crime.

The two youths reportedly lured the young victim to an unfinished building, where they murdered him in an attempt to use his body for a money ritual. Their plan failed when they were caught.

Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, serving as an additional High Court judge, highlighted parental neglect as a factor in the teens’ actions. “Parents today are asleep while their children remain wide awake, leading to a silent pandemic that threatens to undermine society,” she noted in her address to the jury. She referenced a quote from former U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton, stating, “When parents neglect their children, society pays the price,” adding that parental oversight is crucial to safeguarding the nation’s future.

Charges and Trial

The two teenagers were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder. Testimony during the trial revealed that the victim was still alive when he was buried in a shallow grave. The minor admitted to the crime during both the District Court committal and the High Court trial but later pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to conspiracy to commit murder. Nicholas Kini, however, maintained his innocence throughout, claiming no involvement in the victim’s death.

Prosecution Case

Led by Senior State Attorney Nana Adoma Osei, the prosecution presented seven witnesses, including the minor’s family members, to establish their case. Chief Inspector Isaac Asiedu Odei testified that one of the teenagers confessed to hitting the victim with a concrete block. A police pathologist, ACP Osei Owusu Afriyie, determined the cause of death to be severe head injury and asphyxiation from blunt trauma and burial while alive.

During her closing arguments, Ms. Osei stated that the evidence clearly proved the guilt of both defendants and urged the jury to convict them. Defense counsel Samuel Atuah acknowledged his client’s previous confession but requested a not guilty verdict. Lawrence Boampong, representing Nicholas Kini, argued that his client denied involvement and asked for acquittal due to lack of evidence.

Verdict and Sentencing

After deliberating briefly, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on all charges against both defendants. Justice Marfo sentenced Nicholas Kini to life imprisonment, while transferring the minor’s case to juvenile court for sentencing as per Section 342 of Act 30.

By MyABCLive.com, sourced from Dailyguidenetwork.com

1 Comment

  1. saluma says:

    Good news

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