Dame Challenges EOCO Officer’s Role in Buffer Stock Trial
Court to rule on prosecutorial authority as defence raises concerns over EOCO conduct
Godfred Yeboah Dame, counsel for former National Food Buffer Stock Company CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab, has challenged the authority of an Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) official participating in the prosecution of his client.
During proceedings on April 22, Dame argued that the Assistant Staff Officer from EOCO lacked the legal mandate to represent the state in court without explicit authorisation from the Attorney-General, citing provisions under the Law Officers Act and the Legal Services Act.
Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, are facing charges including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, money laundering, and intentional dissipation of public funds. Both have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail.
The prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah, maintained that the EOCO official, Rabia Abdulai, had been duly authorised through an Executive Instrument issued by the Attorney-General, granting prosecutorial powers to officers of the agency.
However, presiding judge Francis Achiponga deferred ruling on the objection and directed the prosecution to present the said Executive Instrument at the next hearing.
The defence also raised concerns over an alleged raid on Abdul-Wahab’s residence by EOCO officials on April 8, claiming the property was defaced with graffiti. Dame indicated he would seek legal action over the incident.
In response, the prosecution said it was unaware of the allegations. An EOCO representative, Julius Nudanu, told the court he had been informed that the agency’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit carried out the operation but lacked full details.
Counsel for the second accused, Augustin Obuor, also petitioned the court to order the release of seized electronic devices belonging to the couple, arguing that they were not included in the prosecution’s disclosures.
The court subsequently directed EOCO to account for the continued detention of the items and ordered an official to appear and provide clarification.
The case has been adjourned to April 29 for continuation.
