EOCO re-arrests Hanan Abdul and wife after AG withdraws cases against them

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has re-arrested former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, shortly after they were discharged by a court.

The couple’s re-arrest on Tuesday, May 5, came just hours after the Attorney-General’s Department withdrew all charges against them in an ongoing criminal case.

Hanan Abdul-Wahab and Faiza Seidu Wuni had been standing trial alongside other individuals and companies over their alleged involvement in the procurement and supply of foodstuffs under the national school feeding program. The case was linked to an alleged financial loss of GH¢78 million to the state.

In court earlier, Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, announced the prosecution’s decision to discontinue the case, citing the emergence of new evidence.

However, in a swift and unexpected development, EOCO operatives moved in to re-arrest the couple shortly after their release. Authorities have yet to officially disclose the grounds for the new action.

The case has been characterized by prolonged legal disputes, including disagreements over witness statements and questions surrounding the composition of the prosecution team. At a previous hearing, the prosecution sought to replace newly filed witness statements with earlier submissions, a move strongly contested by defence lawyers.

Justice Achibonga had also directed the Attorney-General’s Department to provide proof of proper authorization for an EOCO officer’s involvement in the prosecution.

According to Mr. Dame, the accused persons had remained compliant throughout the proceedings. He added that despite cooperating fully, the couple’s passports had been seized and their assets frozen, limiting their ability to fund their legal defense.

He indicated that the defence team would pursue all available legal avenues to secure the release of the couple from EOCO custody.