NAFCO Chief's Lawyers File Contempt Case Against AG Over Airport Arrest

Lawyers Challenge Court Order Breach

The legal representatives of former NAFCO Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab have announced plans to file contempt proceedings against Ghana's Attorney-General, Deputy Attorney-General, and the Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI). The lawyers argue that the officials deliberately violated a High Court order by arresting their client at Accra International Airport, despite the court having authorised his travel.

According to a statement issued on 5 July, the High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Achibonga, granted Abdul-Wahab permission on 29 June to travel to the United Kingdom from 4–12 July for a scheduled medical appointment. The application was approved after both defence and prosecution teams, including Deputy Attorney-General Dr Srem Sai, presented their arguments. Counsel Godfred Yeboah Dame described as "false" claims made by Dr Srem Sai in a Facebook post justifying the arrest.

Abdul-Wahab's legal team also disputes allegations that bank accounts were frozen at the time of arrest. They argue that any previous freezing orders ceased to have effect after charges were withdrawn on 5 May 2026, resulting in his discharge. A High Court ruling at Adentan on 20 May concerning fresh charges filed on 15 May confirmed that the re-arrest marked "a fresh process," with no previous freezing order remaining valid.

Dame challenged authorities to produce evidence of any unauthorised fund withdrawals by his client. The statement noted that other prominent individuals facing criminal prosecution—including Dr Stephen Opuni, Seidu Agongo, Alhaji Collins Dauda, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and Dr Kwabena Duffuor—had previously been granted similar travel permissions by courts.

The legal team characterised the airport arrest as a "blatant and wilful violation" of the High Court order and accused the Attorney-General's Office of misleading the public and unlawfully directing the BNI to apprehend Abdul-Wahab based on unsupported allegations.