The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has returned seized assets to Alhaji Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). The items, including £6,700, GH¢2,750, laptops, and mobile phones, were seized on July 5 when Hanan was arrested at the Accra International Airport. He was traveling to the United Kingdom despite facing trial for allegedly causing GH¢78 million financial loss to the state.
Hanan's counsel, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, had filed an application seeking the release of the seized items to enable his client to prepare his defense. However, before the application could be heard, the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, informed the court that the items had been returned to Hanan. As a result, Mr. Dame withdrew the application. The prosecution urged the court to continue with the trial, citing the readiness of their first witness.
The case, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga, was adjourned to October 20. Hanan, his wife, and three others face charges including conspiracy to commit crime, stealing, and causing financial loss to the state. They have pleaded not guilty to 24 counts, including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, money laundering, and intentional dissipation of public funds. The accused were granted bail totaling GH¢150 million and placed on the Ghana Immigration Service stop list.
According to Dr. Srem-Sai, Hanan and NAFCO's Head of Finance, Richard Sam-Asante, caused a financial loss of GH¢50,879,210 by transferring GH¢69.6 million to Sawtina Enterprise, a company owned by NAFCO's Regional Manager, James Tieku-Apawu. It is alleged that only 20% of the amount was used for genuine food supplies. The prosecution further alleges that Hanan diverted additional funds through companies linked to him and his wife.
The accused companies allegedly received millions of cedis without providing goods or services. Richard Sam-Asante is reportedly on the run as investigations continue. Hanan's wife, Faiza Wuni, and their co-accused have also been charged in the case. Their counsel, Mr. Augustine Obour, expressed difficulty accessing information on the seized mobile phones, which had not been charged since they were received.
The court was informed that the mobile phones could not be accessed due to the lack of charge. The case has been adjourned to allow the accused and their counsel to prepare their defense. The trial is expected to continue on October 20. The return of the seized assets is seen as a significant development in the case.
The case involves allegations of financial loss to the state and potential money laundering. The accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial's outcome will depend on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense's response. Key points in the case include the alleged financial loss, the seizure and return of assets, and the upcoming trial.
Key points
- The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) returned seized assets to former NAFCO CEO Alhaji Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba.
- Hanan faces trial for allegedly causing GH¢78 million financial loss to the state.
- The case has been adjourned to October 20 to allow the accused and their counsel to prepare their defense.
