Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, has been arrested at the Accra International Airport over allegations that he attempted to access funds in a frozen bank account before departing for the United Kingdom.
According to Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, Mr Aludiba had earlier obtained permission from the High Court to travel to the UK for a short stay while standing trial on charges of stealing and causing financial loss to the Republic.
However, the Deputy Attorney-General alleged that Mr Aludiba attempted to use “false means” to withdraw funds from a Republic Bank account that had been frozen as part of ongoing criminal proceedings against him. The alleged incident prompted law enforcement officers to arrest him at the airport before his departure.
Dr Srem-Sai further disclosed that the Attorney-General intends to return to court to seek a review of the order that granted Mr Aludiba permission to travel outside the country.
Mr Aludiba is facing prosecution over alleged financial irregularities during his tenure as NAFCO Chief Executive. The charges include stealing and causing financial loss to the state, allegations he has denied. Some of his assets and bank accounts were frozen pending the outcome of the trial.
The latest arrest adds another twist to the high-profile case, with the prosecution expected to pursue further legal action as proceedings continue.
