Omanghana
The murder trial of former University of Ghana student Safina Mohammed Adizatu, popularly known as Safina Diamond, has been adjourned by an Accra High Court to July 27, 2026, after an unexpected change to the jury panel disrupted the start of proceedings.
The delay occurred when one of the seven sworn jurors failed to appear in court, requiring the panel member to be replaced before the trial could continue.
Details of the Case
Safina Mohammed Adizatu is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Frank Kofi Osei, a Ghanaian citizen who was permanently based in Canada.
Adizatu has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently on bail as she awaits the outcome of the trial.
According to the prosecution’s case, Osei visited Adizatu at her residence at Ashalley Botwe School Junction in Accra on July 24, 2022.
Prosecutors allege that an altercation occurred during the visit, leading to Osei’s death. The state claims he was choked and stabbed multiple times around his jaw, chin, and back. His body was allegedly left at the residence for nearly 24 hours before being moved and abandoned near his vehicle.
Missing Juror Forces Court Delay
The trial, presided over by Justice Mrs. Kizita Koowah Quarshie, was scheduled to begin after a seven-member jury panel had been constituted and sworn in.
However, when the case was called, one of the jurors was absent from court, preventing the trial from proceeding as planned.
Following consultations involving the judge, the prosecution team, and the defense lawyers, the absent juror was removed from the panel and replaced by another individual.
The newly appointed juror was subsequently sworn in to complete the seven-member panel.
Trial Rescheduled for Opening Statements
Due to the unexpected interruption, the court adjourned proceedings until July 27, 2026.
On the new date, both the prosecution and defense teams are expected to deliver their opening addresses to the jury, formally setting out their respective positions in the case.
Judge Warns Jury Against External Influence
Before adjourning the matter, Justice Quarshie reminded the jurors of their responsibility to remain impartial throughout the trial.
The judge instructed them to avoid any external influences and cautioned them against following public commentary or opinions about the case, particularly on social media platforms.
The court emphasized that the jury’s decision must be based solely on evidence presented during proceedings and not on outside discussions or speculation.
The case is expected to attract significant public attention as the trial progresses due to the circumstances surrounding Osei’s death and the involvement of a high-profile accused person.
Source: Omanghana
