A sympathiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Theophilus Thompson, has been remanded by an Accra High Court into police custody over the alleged assault of a journalist.
The NPP sympathiser pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting journalist Latif Iddrisu of Multimedia Group.
As previously reported, on May 27, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m., a group of individuals, including some members of parliament and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), staged a demonstration in front of the EOCO Office, Accra, in protest against the arrest of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
During the protest, Latif Iddrisu, who was covering the event for JoyNews, was confronted and assaulted by some NPP sympathisers.
Following investigations, on June 7, 2025, at about 5:00 p.m., the Regional Police Command arrested Theophilus Thompson, aged 55, at James Town in connection with the assault. The suspect is currently in custody and is assisting with the investigation.
The accused on Monday, June 9, 2025, denied the charges. His defence counsel argued that he is not a flight risk, has a fixed place of residence, and should therefore be granted bail. Citing section 97(4) of Act 30, the lawyer emphasised that “the court shall not refuse or withdraw bail merely as a form of punishment.”
However, the State Attorney opposed the bail request, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the fact that other suspects remain at large. She expressed concern that granting bail could compromise the collection of evidence or enable interference with witnesses.
The defence countered that the prosecution had not presented any proof to substantiate claims of possible interference by the accused.
The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, denying bail and remanding Thompson into custody. The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2025.
The courtroom was packed with NPP leadership, including National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye known as Nana B and National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, who attended the hearing to show their support.
