Efforts by media and showbiz personality Kwasi Kyei Darkwah - better known as His Royal Blackness KKD, to have a rape allegation case against him dropped, failed as the Kaneshie District Magistrate Court in Accra presided over by Mrs Adwoa Akyaamaa Ofosu, committed him for trial at the High Court. The High Court trial begins on March 18.
In spite of a letter written earlier by the 19-year old victim - Ewuraffe Orleans Thompson, to the Attorney-General, asking that the case be dropped because of the media frenzy that had followed the case; State Prosecutor Malike Woanya told the court that the prosecution was sure it had enough evidence to prosecute the case.
Kwasi Kyei Darkwah
KKD's lawyer - Anthony Forson had argued that the case should be dismissed on the basis that the State wouldn’t be able to make a case at the High Court since the key alleged victim has already expressed her dis-interest in the case.
The Magistrate failed to honour Forson’s plea - stating that in rape allegation cases, her court does not have the jurisdiction to determine whether or not a prima facie case has been established. This can only be determined by a High Court, she said.
The Prosecution told the court that contrary to 49-year old KKD’s earlier submission that he had consensual sex - which he described as ‘fleeting pleasure,’ with the victim; that he forcibly had sex with Ewuraffe on December 27, in the bathroom of the African Regent Hotel at the Airport West Residential Area, after which he gave her wipes to clean the blood oozing out of her genitals.
It was alleged that in the course of the sexual intercourse, the victim was crying, prompting her friend who was in the room to attempt rescuing her; but she was prevented by KOD (Kofi Okyere Darko), a radio personality, who told the girl that the victim was fine and that nothing was happening.
KKD flanked by Ewuraffe (right) and her cousin (left) at the hotel lobby on the evening of the incident
KKD flanked by Ewuraffe (right) and her cousin (left) at the hotel lobby on the evening of the incident
It was further alleged that KOD then increased the volume of the television or radio set or the device in the room to drown the screams of the victim who desperately needed help.
After having sex with her, the prosecutor said KKD offered her Postinor 2, ostensibly to prevent pregnancy.
When the lady was freed, she, with her cousin and another person called Kofi, went to the nearby Nyaho Hospital for medical attention before reporting the matter to the police who gave her a medical form to go to a public hospital. She subsequently went to the Police Hospital.
It was established that the victim was either a virgin or previously sexually inactive.
KKD had been arrested since the night of the incident and refused bail on the basis that rape is a non-bailable offence. He was subsequently granted bail by a Human Rights Court on humanitarian grounds in the sum of Ghc20,000 with two sureties.