“She May Delete the Evidence” — High Court Refuses Salomey Awity Bail in Ghana Jollof Case

The Accra High Court has refused to grant bail to Salomey Awity Baffoe, the senior nursing officer detained in connection with the ongoing “Ghana Jollof” case.

The court, presided over by Justice Halima El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, ruled on Thursday, September 24, that releasing Baffoe at this stage could create a risk of interference with electronic evidence and hamper ongoing investigations.

Court Raises Concern Over Digital Evidence

The case involves allegations of abetment of crime, to wit publication of false news, linked to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.

The prosecution argued that investigations were still ongoing and that Baffoe’s presence remained necessary as authorities continued investigating the case and efforts to locate the second accused, whom police identify as Barbara Asantewaa Kodua.

The court noted that the investigation was cyber-related and involved electronic devices and digital evidence that could potentially be altered, deleted or concealed.

It consequently found that there was a real risk that Baffoe’s release could interfere with the evidence or otherwise hamper the investigation.

Her lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, subsequently said the judge had indicated that releasing his client could result in the deletion of information that investigators considered evidence.

Lawyer Had Pleaded for Her Release

Baffoe’s defence had urged the court to grant bail, arguing that she was presumed innocent and that the prosecution had not provided sufficient grounds to justify continued detention.

Her lawyer also drew attention to her status as a mother of three children and reportedly raised concerns about her health.

The defence had maintained that the police investigation had effectively been completed and questioned why she should remain in custody.

The prosecution, however, maintained that investigations were still active and that there were concerns about possible interference with witnesses and other persons connected to the case.

Court Stresses She Has Not Been Found Guilty

Importantly, the High Court made clear that its refusal to grant bail does not amount to a finding of guilt.

The court said it remained mindful of Baffoe’s constitutional presumption of innocence and stressed that the decision to keep her in custody was based on concerns surrounding the ongoing investigation and preservation of evidence, rather than punishment.

The court also indicated that Baffoe could renew her bail application if there was a material change in circumstances or new facts that altered the basis of the ruling.

Allegations Remain Contested

Police have alleged that Baffoe assisted Kodua in distributing videos and recruiting others to circulate the content, and have cited forensic examinations of her phone and mobile-money records in support of their investigation.

Her lawyer has rejected key aspects of the allegations, including the claim that Baffoe received money from the operator of the “Ghana Jollof” account to support the publication and distribution of content. He has also said the information released by police about his client is questionable.

For now, Baffoe remains in custody as the investigation continues, while the legal battle over her detention is expected to continue.

The High Court’s decision has therefore added another dramatic chapter to the increasingly controversial Ghana Jollof case, with the preservation of digital evidence now at the centre of the dispute over her freedom.