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The High Court has convicted two teenagers involved in the murder of a ten-year-old boy in Kasoa, following a trial that began in 2021. Both were found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, bringing closure to a case that has captivated the nation.
Nicholas Kini, who was 18 at the time of the crime, received a life sentence. The first accused, aged 15 at the time, was referred to a juvenile court for sentencing, as the High Court does not have the authority to sentence minors.
Investigators revealed that the first accused was influenced by a video of a spiritualist promoting a money-making ritual that required human blood and a payment of GH¢5,000. Seeking wealth, the first accused partnered with Kini, and they devised a plan to kidnap the victim and demand ransom from his family. However, the plan quickly turned fatal. The first accused lured the boy to an abandoned building, promising him a game. Once there, the victim was brutally assaulted with a stick and cement blocks, and ultimately buried alive. The pathologist confirmed suffocation as the cause of death.
The prosecution built a case with testimony from seven witnesses, including the boy’s father, police officers, and the pathologist. The victim’s father recounted the harrowing discovery of his son’s body, found in an uncompleted building. The first accused’s sister also testified, recalling how she saw her brother and Kini at the crime scene, raising her suspicions after being told to leave.
During police interrogation, Kini admitted to hitting the boy, while the first accused confessed to planning the crime, citing influence from the spiritualist’s promises of wealth.
In their defense, the first accused admitted to conspiracy but denied murder, while Kini claimed he was not involved, providing an uncorroborated alibi. In her closing remarks, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo reminded the jury of their duty to justice and urged them to make a decision that reflected the conscience of the nation. After deliberation, the seven-member jury found both teenagers guilty.
This tragic case has sparked national discussions on the influence of social media content and the responsibilities of online platforms, highlighting the need for more protection for vulnerable youth against harmful influences. The verdict serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of addressing youth crime, accountability, and media’s role in society.
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