The late Eric Johnson
The Wa High Court’s Justice Abdul Yussif Assibey has sentenced Elisha Mahama to life imprisonment, in connection with the murder of Eric Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cosy Hills Hotel, also known as Jirapa Dubai, in Jirapa, in the Upper West Region.
The judge, Justice Abdul Yussif Assibey, gave an opportunity to the seven-member jury to go into the chambers and deliberate on the issue.
After about 30 minutes, the juries came back to the courtroom with a 7-0 unanimous verdict that Elisha Mahama was guilty.
They, however, unanimously came with a verdict that two accused persons, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata, were not guilty and acquitted them.
The judge then sentenced Elisha Mahama to life imprisonment for the murder of Eric Johnson.
The judge gave Elisha Mahama the opportunity to say something, and according to him, “I still stand by my words that I did not kill my former boss. I know I’m just a mere man and can’t fight the law, but I’m happy we will appeal the verdict.”
Initially, seven persons were arrested for the alleged murder of the CEO of Cosy Hills Hotel, but four were later freed.
Murder Case
The businessman’s lifeless body was reportedly discovered in a pool of blood in one of his hotel rooms on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
His death was allegedly linked to a local chieftaincy issue.
Jirapa town and its surroundings were thrown into a state of mourning over the murder of the businessman and philanthropist who positively transformed the Jirapa area.
The Principal State Attorney, Lawyer Saeed Abdul Shakur, addressing journalists, said justice has been served.
“The bloody footprints and finger prints of Elisha Mahama were in the man’s room, and the jury has given a guilty verdict, and I think that is fair. I am happy that the case has come to a final conclusion,” he said.
Meanwhile, counsel for Elisha Mahama, Lawyer Clement Eledi, told journalists that they will appeal the life imprisonment sentence.
“I say we will go on an appeal, no further comment, thank you,” he disclosed.
FROM Eric Kombat, Wa