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) but was later recalled for further processes, according to his legal team.
Former Attorney General and legal counsel for the former NAFCO boss, Godfred Yeboah Dame, said his client was initially released on Wednesday, May 6, and instructed to report back to EOCO on Thursday morning.
“Yes, he was released yesterday and he was asked to come there this morning and the lawyers accompanied him again,” Mr Dame stated.
He explained that Mr Aludiba honoured the invitation and arrived at EOCO at about 10 a.m. with his lawyers, insisting that claims suggesting his absence from the EOCO premises had hindered the process were untrue.
“So clearly it was false. He was there today at 10 a.m. with his lawyers. They’re all there today,” he said.
According to Mr Dame, upon their arrival, EOCO officials informed them that they needed to wait for the Executive Director of the agency, who was reportedly unavailable at the time.
“After a while, they said he was not there, so he could go,” he added.
Mr Dame said his client and the legal team subsequently left the EOCO premises, only to receive another message moments later asking them to return.
“Just a few minutes ago, they sent a message indicating that they’ve been called back for whatever process EOCO wishes to undertake,” he stated.
He noted that Mr Aludiba and his lawyers were currently back at EOCO cooperating with investigators.
The latest development comes amid controversy surrounding the Attorney General’s recent decision to discontinue charges against the former NAFCO boss and his wife in an ongoing criminal case after investigators reportedly uncovered fresh evidence.
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has defended the withdrawal of the charges, describing it as a standard legal procedure when new evidence emerges during investigations.
However, Mr Dame has criticised the move, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal raise concerns about the conduct of criminal prosecutions and law enforcement processes in the country.
