The case against former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife has been adjourned to October 20. The couple is facing multiple charges, including stealing, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. They have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had seized several items belonging to Abdul-Wahab and his wife, including monies, phones, and a laptop.
Lead counsel for Abdul-Wahab, Godfred Yeboah Dame, had prayed the court to strike out his application seeking an order for the release of his client's items from EOCO custody. He informed the court that the items had been returned to his client on October 5, except for one phone and an accessory. The court was also told that some funds were not released and that Abdul-Wahab was expected to collect them on October 9.
The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, disagreed with Dame's request for more time to access the electronic devices. He argued that the prosecution was due to call its first witness and that the defence had had ample time to access the devices since they were returned on October 5. However, Dame insisted that the devices contained crucial evidence for the defence.
Presiding judge Justice Francis Apongabuno Achibonga ruled that the defence ought to be given as much time as required to access the devices. He noted that the order for the release of the seized items was given in May but was only complied with by EOCO in October. The judge struck out Dame's motion and adjourned proceedings to October 20.
Reacting to the development, Godfred Yeboah Dame expressed satisfaction that the right thing had been done. He stated that it was pleasing to see investigative authorities comply with the requirements of the law. Dame added that the trial would not proceed until EOCO had fully complied with the law.
The case against Abdul-Wahab and his wife has been ongoing since their arrest and charging with multiple offences. The EOCO's release of the seized items is seen as a significant development in the case. The court is expected to continue with the trial on October 20.
The lead counsel for Abdul-Wahab's wife, Augustine Obour, associated himself with Dame's prayer and drew the court's attention to the hope that data had not been wiped off his client's phone. The court will reconvene on October 20 to continue with the trial.
Key points
- The Ghanaian court has adjourned the case against ex-NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab to October 20.
- EOCO has released the seized items belonging to Abdul-Wahab and his wife.
- The defence has been given more time to access the electronic devices returned by EOCO.
