EOCO re-arrests Ex-NAFCO boss, wife hours after court discharge

The Economic and Organised Crime Office has re-arrested former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company, Hanan Abdul-Wahab, along with his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, shortly after all charges against them were dropped in an ongoing criminal case.

The move comes just hours after the couple were discharged by the court on Tuesday, May 5, following the Attorney-General’s decision to withdraw the case.

They had been standing trial with others over alleged involvement in the procurement and supply of food items under the national school feeding programme, in a case linked to an alleged GH¢78 million loss to the state.

Earlier in court, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai said the prosecution had opted to discontinue proceedings after new evidence emerged.

He explained that the decision was to ensure all accused persons receive a fair and speedy trial in line with constitutional provisions.

Following this, the court struck out the charges and discharged the accused persons.

However, in a dramatic twist, EOCO operatives quickly moved to re-arrest Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife. The reasons behind the fresh arrests have not yet been made public.

The case has seen prolonged legal disputes, including disagreements over witness statements and concerns raised by the defence about the involvement of an EOCO officer in the prosecution team.

At an earlier hearing, presiding judge Justice Achibonga had directed the Attorney-General’s Department to provide proof of proper authorisation for the officer’s role.

The latest development is likely to heighten public scrutiny, as questions arise over the legal and procedural implications of withdrawing charges and then carrying out a re-arrest.