Habeas Corpus Hearing for Former Buffer Stock CEO Set for July 10

Godfred Yeboah Dame, Lawyer for former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, says the Accra High Court has fixed Friday, July 10, for the hearing of a habeas corpus application challenging his client's continued detention.

The application, filed at the High Court’s specialised division in Accra, is seeking an order directing the Director of the Bureau of National Intelligence and the Attorney-General to produce Aludiba in court and justify the legal basis for his detention.

According to the application, the arrest is linked to allegations of attempting to withdraw funds from his frozen Republic Bank account. It further states that the applicant left home to exercise his constitutional right to freedom of movement, expecting only to seek medical care in accordance with court orders. Instead, he was allegedly arrested at the airport and has been in detention since July 4 without any lawful justification.

Responding to the claims, Mr. Dame has stated in an interview that there has been no attempt by his client to withdraw any money from any account. He also clarified that no account belonging to Hanan Abdul-Wahab has been frozen in the country. Mr. Dame added that the Court of law had granted his client permission to travel for medical purposes, with the Attorney-General, Hon. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, and his deputy, Justice Srem-Sai, both present in court.

“If they had any objections against the order, they could have filed for an appeal,” Mr. Dame stated. He further hinted at possible legal action, saying he is considering suing the Attorney-General and his deputy for contempt of court. The court is expected to hear arguments from both sides when the matter comes up on July 10.

By: ANITA OPPONG YEBOAH