NAFCO CEO Arrested at Accra Airport on His Way to UK Over Frozen Bank Account

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Former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba has been arrested at the Accra International Airport on his way to the UK. Aludiba is standing trial over alleged financial offences, including stealing and causing financial loss to the Republic.

According to Dr. Justice Srem Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Aludiba had been granted permission by the High Court to travel briefly to the United Kingdom. However, he allegedly attempted to use false means to empty a frozen bank account with Republic Bank, which prompted his arrest. Dr. Srem Sai made the announcement on Facebook.

Aludiba is one of the former public officials currently facing prosecution in connection with alleged financial irregularities while serving as CEO at the National Food Buffer Stock Company. He had been granted leave by the trial High Court to travel to the UK for a few days, but his attempt to access his frozen bank account occasioned his arrest.

The arrest is expected to add a new dimension to the ongoing trial, with prosecutors likely to place the alleged attempt to access the frozen account before the court when proceedings resume. The Attorney-General's move to seek a review of the travel order may also signal a possible tightening of bail and travel conditions imposed on the former NAFCO chief as the criminal proceedings continue.

The Office of the Attorney-General has accused Aludiba of offences including stealing and causing financial loss to the Republic, allegations he has denied before the High Court. Some of his bank accounts were reportedly frozen as part of measures to preserve assets pending the determination of the case.

The Attorney-General's office will seek a review of the court order that granted Aludiba leave to travel out of the country on Monday. This development may indicate a possible extension of bail and travel restrictions on the former NAFCO CEO, who is facing prosecution for financial crimes.

In Ghana, there is widespread concern about financial crimes and corruption in public institutions. The arrest of former NAFCO CEO Aludiba highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in public agencies.