The host of United Television Show and Business (Showbiz), Nana Ama Agyemang McBrown has declined the invitation by the state to testify in the trial of Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson alias Bulldog.

McBrown informed the Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour Mrs Evelyn Asamoah yesterday that she could not be used as prosecution witness because her statement was procured by deceit.

Her lawyer, Dennis Agyei told the court the witness statement was procured through deceit because prior to giving that statement, the investigators failed to explain to her its consequences, hence it should be declared void.

Since McBrown’s appearance in court was acting on sermons, Mr Agyei said his client had not received any such order but heard it from other sources yet she has presented herself before the bench.

He urged the court to set aside the sermons order, as his client is a law abiding citizen who without receiving official information from the court, yet submitted herself before it.

He prayed the court his client is rather invited as the court’s witness and not prosecution witness.

The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Simon Apiorsornu expressed shock at McBrown’s claim that her statement was procured by deceit.

The Chief Inspector explained that McBrown was invited to the Headquarters of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to give statement, which she voluntarily did.

He added that McBrown is of sound mind to be a witness as the host of the programme, having personal knowledge of the case as well as competent to express herself to be understood.

The prosecutor said a court witness is an expert who is invited to assist the court to clarify technical issues, hence McBrown does not fall in that category.

The court ruled that on March 31, 2020 the statement would be read to McBrown to identify same before the court adopt it.

 The court also set aside the sermons order.

McBrown might be testifying in the court because Bulldog made some comments on the United Showbiz, which were found by the law enforcement authority as offensive.

By Adelaide Oforiwaa