The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on September 23, 2026.
In a press release issued in Accra, EOCO said the attempted arrest was in connection with an ongoing investigation and was carried out in the lawful discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
According to EOCO, the MP had been invited on two separate occasions in February 2026 to assist with investigations but failed to honour the invitations.
“The invitations were not honoured. The Office has since taken steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law and the attempted arrest today represents one of the lawful steps,” the statement said.
The Office also addressed a viral video of the incident, which the MP had earlier described as an attempted kidnapping. EOCO explained that the arrest could not be completed because the situation escalated.
“During today’s attempted arrest, the situation escalated and the arrest was not successfully completed as officers assessed that a counter action would have endangered public safety,” EOCO stated.
The anti-graft agency further disclosed that it has identified two persons who allegedly intervened to facilitate the escape of the MP, adding that their conduct is being assessed for further lawful action.
On the MP’s decision to seek refuge in Parliament, EOCO said it is aware that Hon. Baffour proceeded to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary even though Parliament is on recess.
While affirming respect for parliamentary privileges and immunities, EOCO stressed that being an MP does not place anyone above the law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law,” the statement emphasized.
EOCO assured the public that the investigation remains active and that it will review all video evidence from today’s incident to guide its next steps.
BACKGROUND
High-drama scenes unfolded at the Accra High Court Complex on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after security personnel, reportedly from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), clashed with lawyers and supporters of detained senior nursing officer Salomey Baffoe Awiti.
The confrontation centered around Manhyia South Member of Parliament and legal counsel for the accused, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, resulting in a physical altercation and a tense vehicle pursuit outside the court premises.
Videos circulating widely online captured a tense moment at the entrance of a vehicle where a female security officer attempted to block the MP from departing. Heated words were exchanged before a scuffle broke out between security operatives and members of the legal team.
Amid the scuffle, a member of the defence team opened the vehicle door, cleared the path, and enabled Mr. Baffour Awuah to drive off, with security personnel briefly pursuing his vehicle.
Sources close to EOCO indicated that the operation was an attempt to pick up the Manhyia South legislator over allegations that he had failed to honour formal invitations to assist with ongoing investigations tied to the controversial “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
Conversely, sources close to the MP strongly denied that any official invitation had been extended to him, alleging instead that the move was politically motivated to silence his public defence of Ms. Baffoe Awiti. EOCO has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Ms. Baffoe Awiti, a 40-year-old mother of three from Hansua in the Techiman Municipality, has been in state custody following her arrest. She is facing charges of abetment of crime, specifically the publication of false news, in connection with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account—which authorities allege has been utilized to criticize government officials.
Police claim forensic investigations into her phone records and mobile money transactions linked her to Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, the alleged primary operator of the account who is reportedly based in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Baffour Awuah has previously criticized the detention, arguing that holding the nurse is unjustified given that principal investigators acknowledge the primary suspect is overseas.
The legal teams had gathered at the High Court on Wednesday, September 23, for a scheduled bail application hearing. However, the proceedings took a procedural turn when the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence’s submissions.
Consequently, the High Court adjourned the bail hearing to Thursday, September 24, 2026, as legal arguments regarding her liberty continue.
