EOCO’s re-arrest of ex-Buffer Stock CEO and wife a face-saving, shameful move — Osahen Afenyo-Markin

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over the re-arrest of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company, Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni.

The re-arrest comes shortly after the Office of the Attorney-General withdrew all charges against the couple on Tuesday, May 5, citing new evidence.

The case centres on alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of foodstuffs under the national school feeding programme, with earlier claims of a financial loss of about GH¢78 million to the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 6, the Effutu MP described EOCO’s action as unjustified and an attempt to cover up weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

“The needless and face-saving arrest followed one year of arraignment of the two accused persons with 3 others in court on charges whose weakness and frivolity were exposed by defence counsel,” he stated.

He further criticised the manner in which the arrest was carried out, alleging violations of due process and access to legal representation.

“I find the conduct of EOCO, the Attorney-General and the Government as a whole, in harassing and torturing these innocent citizens… very shameful, reprehensible and most unworthy of a healthy democracy,” he said.

Osahen Afenyo-Markin called for the immediate release of the couple and urged state institutions to adhere strictly to due process in the administration of justice.