The courtroom witnessed a poignant moment as emotions overwhelmed the former Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Daniel Axim.

Mr Axim is currently on trial alongside the 'absconded' Christine Sedinam Tamakloe Ationu, facing charges of allegedly causing financial loss to the State.

Despite having settled legal fees, Mr Axim, citing financial constraints, struggled to secure alternative representation, leading to a courtroom breakdown.

“As has been my usual practice, a day before the case, I will call him,” he told the Court.

“He told me that he is opting out of the case. I was very disturbed so I pleaded with him that with my current financial status, I cannot afford another lawyer,” emotionally stricken Daniel Axim said as he broke down in tears while searching for his handkerchief to wipe his tears.

The presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, expressed outrage at the lawyer's conduct, vowing to report him to the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council.

Expanded Version:In a courtroom drama that unfolded with intense emotions, the former Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Daniel Axim, faced a turbulent turn of events during his trial for alleged financial loss to the State.

Standing trial alongside the 'absconded' Christine Sedinam Tamakloe Ationu, Axim's mental fitness for trial had been affirmed after a psychiatric examination at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital. The legal proceedings took an unexpected twist when Axim's defense attorney, Augustines Obour, surprisingly withdrew from the case, leaving Axim in a vulnerable position.

As the case resumed in the courtroom on Thursday, December 14, 2023, the absence of Augustines Obour, the lawyer for the second accused (Daniel Axim), raised concerns. Responding to inquiries from the presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Axim revealed that his lawyer had informed him of his decision to opt out of the case. Despite having settled his legal fees well in advance, Axim faced the distressing reality of navigating the legal proceedings without his chosen defense counsel.

In a moment of intense emotion, Daniel Axim, visibly distraught, broke down in tears, struggling to contain his feelings. Describing the financial constraints that hindered him from securing another lawyer, Axim pleaded with his former attorney to reconsider. The unexpected withdrawal of legal representation added an extra layer of turmoil to an already complex courtroom situation.

Justice Asare-Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal presiding over the case as an additional High Court judge, expressed her displeasure at the ethical breach.

According to the rules of the court, counsel for the accused is not permitted to opt out of a case without formal discharge by the court. The judge, visibly furious at the lawyer's conduct, pledged to report the matter to the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council for appropriate action.

In the aftermath of this legal turmoil, Justice Asare-Botwe directed Daniel Axim, the second accused, to seek assistance from the Legal Aid Commission in securing legal representation if Augustines Obour persisted in not representing him.

The case, involving Daniel Axim, the former Operations Manager of MASLOC, and 'absconded' Mrs. Attionu, entails eighty counts, including stealing, causing financial loss to the state, causing loss to public property, improper payment of public funds, unauthorized commitment resulting in financial obligation for the government, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Procurement Act. Both accused individuals have pleaded not guilty, admitting to bail, while the prosecution concluded its case after presenting four witnesses. With Mrs. Tamakloe Attionu declared absconded last year for failing to appear in court, the case has been adjourned to January 24, 2024.