By Kekeli K. Blamey
Sogakope, Volta Region – A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Mr. Setsoafia Kudzu, 25, who allegedly defiled a 10-year-old girl. Mr. Kudzu was scheduled to reappear before the Sogakope Circuit Court on Monday, July 1, 2024, after being granted bail last month.
Mr. Kudzu faces charges of defiling a child under 16 years, contrary to Section 101 of the Criminal Offenses Act 29/60, as amended by Act 554, Section 11. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The complaint was filed by the mother of the 10-year-old victim, a class four pupil who was hospitalized for severe injuries and infections in her genital area following the alleged assault. The incident occurred in Toklokpo, a suburb of Sogakope, where the accused, a carpenter’s apprentice, resided in the same neighborhood as the victim.
At Monday’s court session, Mr. Kudzu was notably absent. One of his sureties, Mr. Innocent Gbedzi, informed the court that the accused had been missing for several days. He had attempted to serve Mr. Kudzu with court disclosures but could not locate him. Additionally, the court learned that the accused’s wife and children had also disappeared from the community.
In light of these developments, the prosecution, led by Detective Inspector Nene Oman V, requested the issuance of a bench warrant for Mr. Kudzu’s arrest. Presiding Judge Joseph N. McAli Jr. granted the request, issuing the warrant.
Meanwhile, the victim and her mother have been relocated to an undisclosed location by the police for their safety, following attempts by some community members to intimidate them.
This case continues to develop, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
