Deputy Attorney General rejects claims NAFCO ex-boss was denied legal access after re-arrest

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has dismissed allegations that former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, Hannan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, was prevented from meeting his lawyers after his re-arrest.

The former NAFCO boss was picked up again shortly after an Accra High Court discharged him and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, following an application by the prosecution to withdraw the charges against them.

Addressing journalists, Dr Srem-Sai explained that Mr Aludiba was transferred to the Economic and Organised Crime Office for questioning and was expected to be released afterwards. However, he said the former NAFCO boss reportedly became unwell during the process and had to be taken to hospital.

According to the Deputy Attorney General, after Mr Aludiba returned from the hospital, his lawyer, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, failed to accompany him for interrogation.

Dr Srem-Sai criticised the former Attorney General, accusing him of choosing media appearances over being present with his client during the investigative process.

“He was expected to report for interrogation on Thursday after being discharged on Wednesday,” the Deputy Attorney General stated.

He further argued that if Mr Dame had attended the interrogation sessions with his client instead of commenting on television and radio programmes, he would have had a clearer understanding of the fresh evidence gathered by investigators.

The Deputy Attorney General insisted that the former Attorney General could not claim there was no new evidence when he had not participated in the investigative discussions.

Questioning criticisms surrounding the prosecution’s decision, Dr Srem-Sai asked whether it was wrong for the state to withdraw charges once new evidence emerged.

He explained that fresh evidence could involve newly discovered information capable of strengthening existing charges, introducing additional charges, or altering parts of the prosecution’s case.

According to him, investigators needed to engage the accused person to verify aspects of the new evidence before proceeding with further legal action.

Despite the controversy, Dr Srem-Sai maintained that the prosecution remained confident in its case and believed it could secure a conviction.

Earlier, Mr Dame had accused EOCO officials of denying his client access to legal representation after the re-arrest.

Mr Aludiba, his wife, a third suspect identified as Richard Asante, who is currently on the run, along with two entities, are facing allegations linked to causing a financial loss of GH¢61 million to the state.

The funds were allegedly meant for the procurement and distribution of food supplies under the National School Feeding component of the Free Senior High School Programme.