Former NAFCO boss arrested at airport over attempt to access frozen account – Lawyers accuse AG of contempt

Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), faces arrest at Accra International Airport for allegedly attempting to access a frozen bank account through fraudulent means. The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, announced the arrest, stating it occurred after Aludiba's attempt to empty his Republic Bank account on Thursday. The Attorney-General's office plans to seek a review of the High Court's order that had granted Aludiba permission to travel to the United Kingdom from July 4 to July 12 for a medical appointment.

“

Law enforcement officers have, a while ago, arrested Mr Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba at the Accra International Airport.

However, Aludiba's legal team has strongly refuted the claims. In a statement released Sunday, counsel Godfred Yeboah Dame accused the Attorney-General, Deputy Attorney-General, and the Director of the Bureau of National Investigations of contempt of court. They assert that the High Court, presided over by Justice Achibonga, had explicitly permitted Aludiba's travel after considering submissions from both prosecution and defense. The lawyers highlighted that such permissions are standard for individuals facing trial, citing precedents with high-profile accused persons.

“

It was, however, Mr Aludiba's attempt to use false means to empty his frozen bank account with Republic Bank on Thursday which occasioned tonight's arrest.

The defense further challenged the allegations of attempting to withdraw funds from a frozen account. They demanded evidence of any withdrawal, asserting that no valid freezing order was in effect. According to their argument, previous freezing orders had lapsed after the prosecution withdrew earlier charges on May 5, 2026, leading to Aludiba's discharge. The lawyers pointed to a High Court ruling on May 20, 2026, which they claim stated that the initiation of fresh charges marked a new legal process, potentially invalidating prior orders.

“

The High Court, presided over by Justice Achibonga, on June 29 permitted Abdul-Wahab to travel to the United Kingdom from July 4 to July 12 for a medical appointment with his optician.