Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, representing Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has raised concerns about the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) investigation into a settlement involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. According to Atta Akyea, a settlement being unfavourable to one party does not automatically imply criminality. He made these comments as EOCO conducted a search at the law firm of the Manhyia South MP as part of its investigations.
The search at the law firm was part of EOCO's probe into alleged unauthorised financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. Atta Akyea clarified that Nana Baffour Awuah acted as a lawyer for SIC Life and followed client instructions in the matter. A judgment and subsequent settlement were reached, with the complainant signing the settlement. Atta Akyea questioned how a bad settlement could translate into criminality.
Atta Akyea expressed concerns about the search of the law firm, describing it as a confidential space holding information belonging to multiple clients. He noted that the specific SIC Life file EOCO was seeking had already been surrendered to the client and should not have been at the law firm. The lawyer warned that accessing unrelated client files could raise legal concerns.
The search of the law firm was ongoing and would be followed by a search at Nana Baffour Awuah's residence. EOCO obtained a court warrant authorising the searches as part of its investigation into alleged unauthorised financial transactions at SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. Nana Baffour Awuah is being investigated by EOCO.
According to Atta Akyea, if the terms of the settlement were considered unfavourable, that alone should not be interpreted as evidence of criminal conduct. He also questioned whether EOCO's investigation could extend to the professional relationship between a lawyer and a client, particularly where the lawyer was acting on instructions.
The Manhyia South MP, Nana Baffour Awuah, was earlier arrested by EOCO and later granted GH¢50m bail with three sureties. He explained his decision to report to EOCO, stating he would never ignore an invitation from the office.
The investigation into Nana Baffour Awuah and the settlement involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited continues, with EOCO leading the probe. Key issues include whether the settlement constitutes a criminal offence and the extent of EOCO's investigative powers.
Key points
- EOCO is investigating alleged unauthorised financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.
- The investigation involves a settlement between SIC Life and the Manhyia South MP, Nana Baffour Awuah.
- Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea questions the basis of EOCO's investigation, arguing that an unfavourable settlement does not imply criminality.
