Accra, May 6, GNA – An Accra High Court has struck out charges against Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Buffer Stock Company Limited, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni.
The two were discharged by the court but were subsequently re-arrested by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
In court, Dr Justice Srem Sai, Deputy Attorney-General, applied for the discharge of the accused persons without stating the reasons.
The accused persons were standing trial with two entities, Ludiba Foundation and Energy Partners Limited.
Dr Sai questioned why defence counsel were concerned about the discharge of the accused persons.
However, in a post on his X account, he stated: ” following the discovery of fresh evidence charges against the former CEO and four others.”
Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, former Attorney-General and counsel for Aludiba, did not oppose the discharge, stating: ” we do not want any drama because we have seen some Commandos around the court.”
He said the prosecution could have amended the charge sheet instead of discharging and re-arresting the accused persons.
Mr Augustine Obuor, counsel for Faiza Seidu Wuni, also did not oppose the discharge but urged the prosecution to act appropriately, noting that the Case Management Conference had been concluded.
He also urged the court not to condone any inhumane treatment by the State.
The accused persons, together with Richard Asante, who is at large, and the two entities, face 24 charges, including stealing, fraudulently causing financial loss to the State, money laundering and defrauding by false pretences.
They are alleged to have caused a financial loss of GH¢61 million intended for the purchase and supply of food items under the National School Feeding component of the Free Senior High School Programme.
They have denied the charges and are on bail.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Joyce Danso