Godfred Yeboah Dame, lead counsel for former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab, has expressed satisfaction over the release of his client’s seized items, including monies, phones and a laptop.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seized Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife’s items after they were arrested and charged with multiple offences, including stealing, causing financial loss to the state and money laundering.
The former National Food and Buffer Stock Company CEO and his wife have, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In court on Wednesday, October 7, Godfred Yeboah Dame prayed the court to strike out his application seeking an order for the release of his client’s items from EOCO custody.
He told the court that the items had been returned on Monday, October 5.
“On Monday, October 5, the first accused was called by EOCO to come for the items which are the subject matter of the application filed.
“He proceeded to the office and he was given all the items, including the money which was borrowed funds, except one phone and an accessory which is attached to one other mobile phone.
“After indicating same to EOCO officers, he was told he can come for it on Friday, October 9, as well as some other funds which was also not released,” Dame told the court.
Dame further pleaded for more time to access and assess the electronic devices, which he explained contained evidence to be relied on in the defence of the case.
However, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, leading the prosecution, disagreed.
He noted that trial ought to proceed since the prosecution was due to call its first witness.
The Deputy AG averred that the defence had had ample time from Monday to access whatever documents they would require from the devices.
Lead counsel for Faiza Seidu Wuni, wife of the former NAFCO CEO, Augustine Obour, associated himself with the prayer of Godfred Dame but also drew the court’s attention to his hope that data had not been wiped off his clients’ phones.
Justice Francis Apongabuno Achibonga, presiding over the case, maintained that the defence ought to be given as much time as required, since the order for the release of their seized items was given in May but was only complied with by EOCO and, by extension, the prosecution in October.
In his ruling, the judge struck out the motion moved by Godfred Yeboah Dame and adjourned proceedings to October 20 to allow the defence to access the accused persons’ devices and revert to the court.
Reacting to the development, Godfred Yeboah Dame noted that he was pleased the right thing had been done.
“It’s quite satisfying that today, pursuant to the orders the court made, EOCO then decided to release the items. It tells you that whenever investigative authorities comply with the requirements of the law, they do themselves a favour.
“We’re not going to start the trial until EOCO has fully complied with the law,” he added.
By Laud Adu-Asare
