Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after spending four days in detention following his re-arrest at the Accra International Airport.
Sources familiar with the matter said Mr. Abdul-Wahab was released unconditionally at about 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, after being detained since July 4, when EOCO officers arrested him shortly before he was due to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
His arrest followed allegations that he attempted to use false means to access a frozen Republic Bank account before leaving the country. The incident sparked a legal dispute between the Attorney-General’s Office and Mr. Abdul-Wahab’s lawyers over the legality of the arrest and continued detention.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai had earlier indicated that the state intended to ask the High Court to review the order that granted Mr. Abdul-Wahab permission to travel abroad. However, his legal team, led by former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, maintained that the arrest violated a valid court order and insisted there was no legal basis for the detention.
Mr. Abdul-Wahab has consistently denied any wrongdoing. EOCO, on the other hand, has defended its actions, insisting the re-arrest was lawful and carried out in accordance with due process.
His release marks the latest development in a case that has generated significant public and legal debate over the powers of investigative agencies and the rights of accused persons.
