After enduring 17 years of imprisonment under the the president pleasure without conviction, Mr. Donle Jaba has finally regained his freedom following an acquittal by the Wa High Court. His release on October 17, 2024, was facilitated by the efforts of the many individuals and state institutions.
The High Court ruled to discharge and acquit Jaba after years of unjust detention, marking a significant victory for justice in the region.
Mr. Donle was imprisoned under a legal designation known as President’s Pleasure (PP), which allowed for indefinite detention without a definite sentence. Often applied in cases involving psychiatric evaluation, it meant that Jaba was held for 17 years without trial or conviction.
Despite his long imprisonment, no formal charges were ever proven against him. His case underscores the complexities and delays inherent in President’s Pleasure cases, where detainees can find themselves in a legal limbo.
Donle Jaba’s freedom would not have been possible without the relentless support of Mr. Crispin Wura-sey Ziekah of legal aid commission, state attorney , regional fire commander ADP James B. Mwinyelle and his officials and CHRAJ.
All the afromentioned individuals and institutions worked tirelessly to bring Jaba’s case to the attention of the court, arguing that his detention was a violation of his fundamental rights. Their efforts culminated in the Wa High Court’s ruling to acquit and discharge Mr. Jaba, finally bringing an end to his unjust imprisonment.
Legal Aid’s involvement in Jaba’s case showcases the vital role these services play in ensuring access to justice for those who may otherwise lack the financial means or resources to defend themselves. Their work continues to highlight the importance of legal representation for marginalized individuals, particularly in cases where lengthy, indefinite imprisonment is a factor.
After 17 years in captivity, Donle was looking a bit confused and new to societal happenings and Mr. Crispin Wura-sey Ziekah used the opportunity to call on the society to accept Donle back and help in his reintegration into society.
Upon his release, DSP Joseph Kpiriko, Public Relations Officer of the GPS, Wa Municipal, presented Mr. Donle with a handwoven kente cloth crafted by Jaba himself during his time in prison.
In addition to the symbolic gesture, Mr. Donle received financial support to help him start his own weaving business, a trade he learnt during his time in prison and reintegrate into society.
Mr. Donle’s case drew special attention to issues surrounding President’s Pleasure cases, where indefinite detention can lead to individuals being held without trial for years.
This legal framework, while meant to offer protection in certain cases, often results in lengthy delays in justice, as in the case of Donle.
His release serves as a stark reminder of the need for legal reform and oversight in handling such cases to prevent future wrongful imprisonments.
What is President pleasure cases?
President’s pleasure cases refer to a legal practice, particularly particularly prevalent in Commonwealth countries where an individual is detained indefinitely at the discretion of the president or head of state. This means that the individual’s imprisonment is not subject to a fixed term or parole system.
This practice often has its roots in colonial-era laws and was originally intended for individuals convicted of serious crimes, especially those considered a threat to national security or public order. The rationale behind it was to provide a mechanism to detain individuals deemed dangerous without the need for a formal trial or a specified sentence.
