The Accra High Court has adjourned the trial of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, to October 7, 2026. The court, presided over by Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, will first determine an application seeking the release of properties seized from the accused persons. The decision was made following an application by the defence for the release of mobile phones and other properties.
The prosecution, represented by Principal State Attorney Esi Denta Yanka, opposed the application, stating that it would delay the commencement of the trial. The case had been scheduled for the examination-in-chief of the first prosecution witness. However, the court held that the application for the release of properties had to be determined before the trial could proceed. The accused persons are facing multiple charges, including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, and money laundering.
Counsel for Aludiba, Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that the seized mobile phones contained information necessary for the conduct of the trial and related to matters that formed the subject matter of the proceedings. He stated that the release of the phones was necessary to enable his client to prepare adequately for his defence. The court agreed that the accused person's right to object to evidence sought to be tendered by the prosecution included preparation using the seized properties.
The trial had earlier been adjourned to September 29 and 30 after the court rejected a request for an adjournment to October 19 pending the determination of a stay of proceedings application before the Court of Appeal. The accused persons are facing charges over alleged financial misconduct involving the National Food and Buffer Stock Company. The charges also include wilfully causing financial loss to the Republic and using public office for profit.
The court held that the prosecution could not commence its case by calling its witness without first determining the application seeking the release of the phones and other properties of the first accused. The court added that it was only after determining that Aludiba was not entitled to the release of the properties that the trial could commence. The accused persons were arrested and charged following an investigation into financial misconduct allegations.
The Principal State Attorney, Esi Denta Yanka, told the court that the proceedings would be recorded, giving the defence adequate opportunity to examine the proceedings and cross-examine the witness on matters arising from the examination-in-chief. However, the court prioritized determining the application for the release of properties before proceeding with the trial. The case has been adjourned to October 7, 2026, for further hearing.
The trial's postponement is the latest development in the case against the former Buffer Stock CEO and his wife. The court has to balance the rights of the accused persons with the need for a speedy trial. The case is being closely watched, given the allegations of financial misconduct and the involvement of a senior public official.
Key points
- The trial of former Buffer Stock CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife has been adjourned to October 7, 2026.
- The court will determine an application seeking the release of properties seized from the accused persons before proceeding with the trial.
- The accused persons face multiple charges, including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, and money laundering.
