It’s not true that ex-Buffer Stock CEO was denied access to his lawyers — Deputy AG
The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, has rejected claims that former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company, Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, were denied access to their legal counsel during their re-arrest.
The couple, who have been standing trial for about a year over alleged corruption-related offences, were re-arrested shortly after the Attorney-General withdrew all charges against them on Tuesday, May 5, citing fresh evidence.
The case involves 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.
Their lawyer, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, had alleged that the accused persons were denied access to both family members and legal representatives during the process.
However, speaking to journalists on Thursday, Dr. Srem Sai dismissed the claims as inaccurate.
“That is false. That is completely false,” he said.
He explained that the accused persons were not denied legal representation, insisting that procedures were followed to ensure proper legal access before interrogation.
“You cannot interrogate a suspect in the absence of his lawyer… it is fair and right, and the proper thing to do, is to wait for the lawyers to come,” he stated.
The Deputy Attorney General further claimed that Mr. Dame himself was not around but granting interviews to media houses..
According to him, officers had to wait for the lawyers to arrive before proceeding, adding that most of the time was spent on that waiting process.
The Deputy Attorney General further denied claims that the prosecution has not found any new evidence as reported for the reason behind the rearrest.