BNI uniforms were forced on my Client - Lawyer

Officers at the BNI and the Police threatened the founder of God is Love Fun Club (GILFC), Monica Afriyie at gun point to wear BNI cell uniforms for photographs, lawyer alleges.

Speaking on Adom FM, Lawyer James Marshal said his sources told him that his client refused to wear the BNI cell uniform to pose for a photograph.

 “I got information from my client through unorthodox source, that the reason why my client appeared in court with a swollen face was as a result of the struggle between her and the officers,”

According to him, his client’s braids were forcefully removed by the officers before the photograph was taken ‘at gun point’.

God is love and other companies including Jastar Motors and investments Company Limited, Eye Adom Fun Club, Care for Humanity Fun Club and Little Drops Association have reportedly held the deposits of their customers ‘hostage’ for several months due to closure of their companies by the Bank of Ghana.

The Managing Directors of these fun clubs as well as DKM Micro Financial Services, Jastar Group of Companies, founder of GILFC and the Nkoranza Branch Manager of GILFC were arrested by the Bureau of National Investigation last week.

But according to the lawyer for Miss Afriyie and the Nkoranza Branch Manager he has not been allowed to see his clients since the arrest.

“I went to the BNI to see my client on 6th January but I was not allowed to see her. I was told at the last minute that she and the others were being prepared for court. I next saw her in court and that was it,” he stated.

He alleged that the four who are still in BNI detention were transferred to Sunyani for a press conference.

“I have information that they plan to force my client to accept that it is not the fault of government that the monies have been frozen,” he alleged.

Marshal said GILFC did not operate as a Microfinace company and he does not see why its leaders should be treated same way as the microfinance companies.

“GILFC has given back the monies of over thousand of its members…some whom are MPs, nurses that the Regional Minister brought to us,” Marshal added.

Meanwhile, Joy News’ Precious Semevor reports that the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Eric Opoku, Traditional leaders, the customers of the microfinance companies members of the various fun clubs and all the stakeholders involved have gathered at Eusbett Hotel in Sunyani for an open forum.

“The major highlights have been to educate the customers on the genesis of the problem and how far the Bank of Ghana, SIC and government have done so far to solve it,” he stated on Joy FM.

The customers however tell Joy News they are tired of explanations from the officials.

“We are not convinced at all. We don’t want to hear anymore explanations. Why did the BoG have to wait for things to get this far?” An aggrieved customer quizzed.

Another customer of DKM also indicated on Joy FM Midday News that all they need now is for the officials to tell them how to retrieve their monies.

Source: myjoyonline.com