The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on September 23, 2026. According to EOCO, the attempted arrest was in connection with an ongoing investigation and was carried out in the lawful discharge of its statutory responsibilities. The incident occurred at the Accra High Court Complex, where the MP had gathered for a scheduled bail application hearing for a client.
EOCO stated that the MP had been invited on two separate occasions in February 2026 to assist with investigations but failed to honour the invitations. The Office addressed a viral video of the incident, which the MP had earlier described as an attempted kidnapping. EOCO explained that the arrest could not be completed because the situation escalated, and officers assessed that a counter-action would have endangered public safety.
The anti-graft agency further disclosed that it has identified two persons who allegedly intervened to facilitate the escape of the MP, adding that their conduct is being assessed for further lawful action. EOCO assured the public that the investigation remains active and that it will review all video evidence from the incident to guide its next steps.
The incident is linked to an ongoing investigation into the controversial “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account, which authorities allege has been utilized to criticize government officials. Ms. Salomey Baffoe Awiti, a 40-year-old mother of three, has been in state custody following her arrest on charges of abetment of crime, specifically the publication of false news.
The MP, who is also the legal counsel for Ms. Baffoe Awiti, has previously criticized the detention, arguing that holding the nurse is unjustified given that principal investigators acknowledge the primary suspect is overseas. The legal teams had gathered at the High Court on Wednesday, September 23, for a scheduled bail application hearing, which was adjourned to Thursday, September 24, 2026.
EOCO emphasized that being an MP does not place anyone above the law, stressing that Membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law. The Office affirmed its respect for parliamentary privileges and immunities.
The MP sought refuge in Parliament after the incident, even though Parliament is on recess. EOCO's actions have sparked a heated debate about the balance between parliamentary immunity and the rule of law. The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the legislature.
Key points
- EOCO officers attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah over an ongoing investigation into the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
- The MP had ignored two invitations from EOCO in February 2026 to assist with investigations.
- The incident has sparked a debate about the balance between parliamentary immunity and the rule of law.
