Chinese National Granted Police Enquiry Bail In Alleged Murder Case

A Takoradi District Court, presided over by Mr. Bernard Biney, has remanded a Chinese national, Dai Mengsheng, into police custody over an alleged murder charge. However, he has since been granted police enquiry bail following an agreement with the Attorney General’s office.

The accused was charged with preparation to commit murder, to wit, murder, contrary to Sections 19 and 46 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).

The case, which was based on legal advice from the Attorney General’s (AG) office in Sekondi, was initiated by the complainant, David Anthony Nicol-Sey, a businessman based in Takoradi.

Dai Mengsheng was arrested on February 14, 2025, in Tarkwa and subsequently transferred to the Western Regional Police Command in Sekondi.

Appearing in court in handcuffs, his plea was not taken, and the facts of the case were not read in open court.

Bail and Court Proceedings

The accused’s lawyer, Benjamin D. Andoh, argued for bail, stating that Dai had been in police custody for nearly a month and that investigations were complete since the AG had given legal advice.

He emphasized that the charge did not directly link Dai Mengsheng to the crime, and as a man of substance with a permanent residence in Tarkwa, he would cooperate with authorities if granted bail.

Although the Magistrate agreed with the defense, he noted that the District Court lacked jurisdiction over murder cases. Consequently, he remanded the accused and adjourned the case to March 4, 2025.

Police Enquiry Bail Granted

Following legal proceedings, Dai Mengsheng was granted police enquiry bail, as agreed upon by the Attorney General’s office. The terms of the bail include:

Three sureties, with one to be justified.

Cedi 500,000 bail sum for each surety (totaling GHS 1.5 million).

The accused’s passport has been seized by the police.

Alhaji Dawda, one of the sureties, used his original house and land documents as justification for the bail.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General has indicated that the bill of indictment will be ready in two to three weeks, after which the case will proceed to the High Court.

Story by Nana Fynn-Takoradi