The High Court has convicted two teenagers charged with the murder of a ten-year-old boy in Kasoa.

Both were found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, following a trial that began in 2021.

The tragic incident occurred three years ago, and after a lengthy legal process, the court has delivered its final verdict.

The second accused, Nicholas Kini, who was 18 at the time, has received a life sentence.

However, the first accused, aged 15 at the time, has been referred to a juvenile court for sentencing, as the High Court lacks the authority to impose a sentence on a minor.

Case Background

According to investigators, the first accused confessed during interrogation that he got the idea to kill the boy after watching a video of a spiritualist offering money-making rituals.

The spiritualist reportedly promised wealth in exchange for GH¢5,000 and human blood. The first accused then contacted Nicholas Kini, who suggested they reach out to the spiritualist and follow his instructions.

The plan was initially to kidnap the boy and demand GH¢5,000 from his parents as ransom. The first accused lured the victim to an uncompleted building under the guise of giving him a game. Once there, the boy was struck on the head with a stick and then hit with cement blocks despite pleading for his life. He was ultimately buried alive, with the pathologist determining that suffocation was the cause of death.

Prosecution's Case

The prosecution called seven witnesses, including the father of the deceased, the first accused’s family members, police officers, and the pathologist. The father of the deceased testified that he had returned home the morning before the incident and had taken a nap after breakfast. He was awoken by his wife’s screams, announcing their son’s death. He later found the boy’s body in the uncompleted building opposite the first accused’s house.

The sister of the first accused testified that she had seen her brother and Nicholas Kini at the crime scene but was told to leave by her brother. Feeling suspicious, she informed her mother, who alerted the first accused’s father. The father then uncovered the victim’s body and testified that his son confessed to the murder.

Police testimony further revealed that the second accused had confessed at the station to striking the boy’s head with a club.

Defendants' Case

The first accused admitted to the crime but pleaded guilty to conspiracy and not guilty to murder. In contrast, Nicholas Kini denied involvement, claiming the first accused had set him up. He provided an alibi, stating that he was with his grandfather at the time, though no evidence was presented to corroborate this claim.

Final Deliberations

In her summation, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo urged the jury to consider the evidence and uphold the conscience of the nation. The prosecution asked the jury to find both accused guilty, while the defense pleaded for their clients’ acquittal.

After deliberation, the seven-member jury returned a guilty verdict for both teenagers.