The legal team representing controversial evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has described her 15-year prison sentence as excessive and unfair, claiming the amount involved in her fraud case was only GH¢540.
Speaking to the media, lawyer Asare Baffour questioned the logic behind such a severe punishment, especially after the Accra Circuit Court acquitted Agradaa on some charges due to lack of evidence, including conflict and confinement.
“If she was discharged on those charges due to lack of evidence, how strong was the rest of the case?” Baffour asked. “We believe the court was influenced more by public sentiment than facts.”
The lawyer argued that the case became a media sensation, pressuring the court to make an example out of Agradaa, rather than focus solely on the legal merits.
“Let’s be real — how does defrauding someone of GH¢540 lead to a 15-year sentence? This is about who she is, not what she did,” he said.
Agradaa, once a traditional priestess turned Christian evangelist, was convicted on charges of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence. Her infamous “money doubling” claims lured dozens to her church in 2022.
Despite the conviction, her legal team insists justice hasn’t been served and plans to appeal the sentence, describing it as premeditated and overly punitive.
“We will file an appeal as early as Monday. We believe the higher courts will recognize the flaws in this ruling and give her a fair hearing.”
The case has stirred intense public debate, especially around sentencing consistency and whether media attention influences Ghana’s justice system.