NPA Theft Case: Mustapha Abdul-Hamid files application to strike out charges

An application has been filed at the Accra High Court by lawyers of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, seeking to have the charges against him struck out.

Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, together with nine other accused persons, is facing 54 charges, including extortion, abuse of public office, and money laundering involving a total amount of GH¢291 million and US$332,407.47.

The co-accused include UPPF Coordinator Jacob Kwamina Amuah, NPA staff member Wendy Newman, company directors Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, as well as PropNest Ltd, Kel Logistics Ltd, and Kings Energy Ltd, all have pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail.

NPA Case: Mustapha Hamid, 9 others plead not guilty to 54 counts of money laundering

According to a 3News.com report, when the case was called on December 17, 2025, counsel for Dr Abdul-Hamid, led by Joseph Kpemka, informed the court that the defence had not been served with the prosecution’s affidavit in opposition.

The presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, had earlier noted the existence of an application seeking to strike out the charges against the first accused and questioned whether service had been effected by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The report also noted that the court further observed that although the application was filed by the first accused person, the registrar would be directed to produce certified copies for service on the remaining accused persons through the court bailiffs by the close of December 18, 2025.

Justice Kocuvie-Tay also ordered the prosecution to serve the affidavit in opposition on all accused persons and indicated that their presence would be required at the next hearing.

The case was subsequently adjourned to December 22, 2025, for the court to hear Dr Abdul-Hamid’s application to strike out the charges.

Background

According to the summary of facts, the Office of the Special Prosecutor alleges that the first, second, and third accused persons masterminded an extortion scheme between 2022 and December 2024, unlawfully collecting GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407 from oil marketing companies and bulk oil transport operators.

The OSP claims the scheme was initiated by Dr Abdul-Hamid, carried out by UPPF Coordinator Jacob Kwamina Amuah, and facilitated by NPA staff member Wendy Newman, who is alleged to have acted as the main channel through which the funds were received. Investigators further allege that some of the proceeds were laundered through the three accused companies to acquire land, residential properties, fuel stations, and trucks.

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