The High Court in Accra has adjourned the criminal case involving former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, to August 17, 2026, after their lawyers failed to appear in court.
Mr Abdul-Wahab told the court that his lead counsel, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, was unwell and had been admitted to hospital.
Counsel for the second accused, Augustine Obuor, was also absent, with Faiza Wuni informing the court that her lawyer was indisposed.
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, however, questioned the explanation for Mr Dame’s absence.
He noted that the lawyer had previously indicated that he would be unavailable during the legal vacation and had petitioned the Chief Justice over the decision to proceed with the trial during the period.
Dr Srem-Sai further argued that if ill health was being cited as the reason for Mr Dame’s absence, the court should have been provided with medical evidence to substantiate the claim.
Meanwhile, Mr Abdul-Wahab told the court that he had received a copy of an application for a stay of proceedings filed at the Court of Appeal. The application is scheduled to be heard on October 19.
He therefore appealed for a longer adjournment to allow the appellate process to take its course.
The presiding judge, however, adjourned the case to August 17 and directed counsel for the first accused to appear and address the court on the pending application for a stay of proceedings.
