By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Bodi Circuit Court has remanded a woman, Vivian Anto, into police custody for medical and psychiatric evaluation after she allegedly severed the toe of her 9-year-old daughter.
The case was adjourned to 21st April 2026 for further hearing.
During proceedings, Vivian Anto’s lawyer, Ebenezer Abiaw, requested that the court grant temporary release, arguing that his client is battling a mental health condition and should be allowed to receive care from her family.
The prosecution, led by Superintendent Isaac Ostin, opposed the request, stating that there was no evidence to support claims of mental illness. He noted that Vivian Anto was coherent at the time of her arrest and had provided a statement to the police. Additionally, neither the family nor the defence presented medical records to substantiate the claim of mental instability.
In court, Vivian Anto remained unresponsive, failing to answer questions from the presiding judge, His Honour James Mensah Donkor, either verbally or through gestures. The judge explained that her lack of response prevented the court from proceeding effectively. Consequently, he ordered that she be remanded into police custody and referred to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation of her mental state.
Authorities say the psychiatric assessment will determine her condition and whether she can stand trial. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
