A-G files to block Hanan’s UK travel after bail
The Attorney-General has filed an application at the High Court seeking to overturn an earlier decision that allowed Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, the first accused in the Buffer Stock case, to travel to the United Kingdom for specialist medical treatment. The move follows fresh developments concerning an alleged attempt by Mr Aludiba to access funds in bank accounts that remain under freezing orders.
Fresh Developments Prompt New Application
According to a case update shared by Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), the Attorney-General argues that new facts, which were not available when the court granted the travel permission on June 29, significantly alter the circumstances under which the order was made.
The application asks the court to reconsider and set aside its earlier ruling in light of the new information.
Alleged Attempt to Access Frozen Funds
Court documents indicate that Mr Aludiba allegedly sought to rely on an order issued by a differently constituted High Court in separate proceedings to gain access to funds held in accounts frozen under valid EOCO orders.
The prosecution contends that the alleged move contravenes Section 37 of the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804), which prohibits any transactions involving property or funds subject to a freezing order. According to the Attorney-General’s Office, the financial institution involved declined the transaction and alerted investigative authorities.
Concerns Over Compliance and Flight Risk
The Attorney-General maintains that the alleged attempt to access the frozen funds occurred shortly before Mr Aludiba was due to travel to the UK for medical treatment. Prosecutors argue that the development raises concerns about compliance with existing court orders, the integrity of the ongoing criminal proceedings, and the possibility that the accused may not return to Ghana to stand trial if permitted to leave the jurisdiction.
“It is the position of the Attorney-General that these material facts, which were not before the Court when the travel order was made, may materially influence the Court’s decision regarding its order granting leave for the first accused to travel outside the jurisdiction,” the statement said.
EOCO Grants Bail
The latest application comes shortly after Mr Aludiba was granted bail by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his recent arrest.
The Attorney-General’s Office says it has acted at the earliest opportunity to place the new developments before the court and invite it to review its earlier decision in the interest of justice.
Legal Process, Not a Judgment
The Attorney-General emphasised that the application is part of the normal legal processes available under Ghanaian law whenever there is a material change in circumstances after a court order has been made. The Office stressed that the filing should not be interpreted as a prejudgment of the substantive criminal case.
Presumption of Innocence Remains
Despite the latest legal developments, Mr Aludiba continues to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
He remains one of two accused persons standing trial in the Buffer Stock case, which involves allegations of financial misconduct.
