Ninjaman has been released from the hospital and is now back in police custody.
The dancehall legend was absent from his high profile murder trial for about a week following a brief hospitalization about a week and a half ago. His attorney said that he suffered a mild heart attack in court and was rushed to a local hospital where he was admitted and may need to undergo heart surgery. While he was in the hospital, high court judge, Justice Martin Gayle, ruled that the murder trial must proceed because he has a case to answer to.
The crown closed its case against the artist on Friday and Ninjaman then gave an unworn testimony. This means that the trial could be wrapped up within the next week when the three co-accused will know their fate. Ninjaman, born Desmond Ballentine, his son Janiel Ballentine, and another man, Dennis Clayton, are charged with the murder of Ricardo Johnson, known in the Kingston 11 community as Ricky Trooper. Cops say he was gunned down in March 2009 on Marl Road, Kingston 11, by the three men who were also charged with shooting with intent.
The prosecution introduced seven witnesses in the trial including an overseas-based witness and three civilians. Ninja’s defense attorney responded with a no case submission.
Ninjaman and his co-accused have maintained their innocence.
