Accra, Ghana – Lawyers for former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba, have strongly challenged the circumstances surrounding his arrest at the airport, describing the action as unlawful and contrary to a valid High Court order.
Mr. Hanan was reportedly arrested on the instructions of the Attorney-General’s Office while attempting to travel to the United Kingdom for what his legal team says was a medical appointment approved by the court.
The arrest follows allegations by the prosecution that Mr. Hanan attempted to withdraw funds from a Republic Bank account that was allegedly subject to a freezing order. Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai has claimed that Hanan used false means in an attempt to access the account.
Lawyers Reject Allegations
In a detailed response, Mr. Hanan’s lawyers have denied the allegations, insisting that their client neither withdrew nor attempted to withdraw any money from his bank accounts.
The legal team has challenged the Attorney-General to publicly produce evidence, including bank records, CCTV footage, transaction receipts, or any official documentation, to substantiate the claims.
According to the defence, no such transaction ever took place.
Court Granted Permission to Travel
The lawyers further disclosed that the Accra High Court had, on June 29, 2026, granted Mr. Hanan permission to travel to the United Kingdom between July 4 and July 12 for medical treatment.
They argue that preventing him from boarding his flight amounted to a direct violation of a lawful court order.
Dispute Over Frozen Bank Accounts
The defence also maintains that Mr. Hanan’s bank accounts were not under any active freezing order at the time of his arrest.
According to the lawyers, all previous freezing orders expired on May 5, 2026, after the state withdrew the initial charges against him.
They further cited a May 20, 2026, ruling by the Adentan High Court, which they say established that Mr. Hanan’s subsequent re-arrest under a fresh legal process did not automatically revive earlier restrictions, including any account freezing orders.
Letter to EOCO
The legal team revealed that they had written to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) approximately two weeks before the arrest, informing authorities that no valid freezing order existed on Mr. Hanan’s accounts.
According to the lawyers, they warned that any contrary position would be legally inaccurate.
Contempt Proceedings Planned
Mr. Hanan’s lawyers have announced their intention to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against the Attorney-General, the Deputy Attorney-General, and the Director of the intelligence agency involved in the arrest.
They argue that preventing their client from travelling despite a valid court order amounts to disobedience of the judiciary and undermines the rule of law.
Lawyers Cite Previous Cases
The defence also pointed to previous high-profile cases involving public officials and politicians who were granted court permission to travel abroad for medical treatment while facing criminal proceedings.
According to the lawyers, individuals including Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Seidu Agongo, Dr. Stephen Opuni, Alhaji Collins Dauda, and Dr. Kwabena Duffuor were permitted by the courts to travel without interference.
They contend that Mr. Hanan should have received similar treatment under the law.
Awaiting Official Developments
The Attorney-General’s Office is yet to publicly respond to the detailed legal arguments presented by Mr. Hanan’s lawyers.
The case is expected to attract significant public and legal attention as both parties prepare for further court proceedings.