Richard Asare Baffour, the lawyer for former traditional priestess turned evangelist, Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, commonly known as Agradaa, has stated that his client’s 15-year sentence was passed simply to appease public sentiment.
According to the lawyer, Ghanaians have gotten what they want, as Agradaa has become hated because she has stepped on many toes.
Agradaa was sentenced by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah of the Circuit Court, 10 to 15 years in prison.
She was sentenced for two counts of defrauding by false pretences. Agradaa was also fined GH¢300 for one count of charlatanic advertisement, with a 30-day custodial sentence in default of payment.
Reports suggest the charges stem from a televised advertisement she aired in 2022.
In the ad, Agradaa claimed she possessed the power to double the money for her congregants at the Godsway International Heaven Church, misleading them into surrendering their money during an all-night church service at her Weija-based ministry in Accra.
Nana Agradaa was earlier taken to the hospital for a pregnancy test before the Judge sentences her.
She has since been sentenced to jail for 15 years with hard labour.
The Judge, Evelyn Asamoah, stated that Agradaa skilfully executed the offences and did not show remorse.
Speaking to the media, Richard Asare Baffour stated, “The woman has become hated because she has stepped on many toes, and they wanted to punish her. So, what Ghanaians were looking for, they have gotten it. But the circuit court has spoken, and we will go to a higher court to appeal”.
“Even the amount involved is just GH¢540. How can someone be convicted for 15 years over an alleged fraud of that value? Agradaa has been jailed not because of what she did, but because of who she is,” the lawyer emphasised.
He added, “From day one, she has always appeared before the court. These sentences are passed simply to appease public sentiment because of who she is, not because of the facts or evidence presented.
“It shows signs of a premeditated decision,” the legal team argued.
“We believe that the 15-year sentence is too excessive. We are confident that a higher court will see the injustice in this decision,” the lawyer said.
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