EOCO officers summoned to explain graffiti incident at home of former NAFCO boss

A High Court presiding over the criminal trial of former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive, Abdul Hanan-Wahab Aludiba, and his wife has summoned officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to appear at the next hearing and explain a disputed operation carried out at the first accused's residence.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com, the directive stems from concerns raised by defense counsel Godfred Yeboah Dame over an April 8, 2026 incident in which EOCO officers allegedly showed up at Aludiba's Chain Homes residence and marked the property with graffiti, indicating it was under investigation, reportedly without any court order authorising them to do so.

Dame argued that the operation infringed on the rights of his client and his family, including young children living at the property at the time.

An EOCO officer who was present in court acknowledged the operation was carried out by the agency's Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit but said he was not personally involved and could not offer further details.

The court, unable to determine on the spot whether the incident was connected to the ongoing case or a separate matter entirely, ordered EOCO officials to come prepared to clarify the circumstances at the next sitting.

NAFCO CEO breaks silence on scandal involving former leadership

Seized devices yet to be returned

Separately, counsel for the second accused raised the issue of electronic devices, including mobile phones and a laptop, seized during investigations but still in EOCO's possession.

Counsel argued the items had not been tendered as exhibits in the trial, nor were they subject to any freezing order, and should, therefore, be returned.

The prosecution said it was not in a position to fully respond, and the court directed EOCO to address the matter at the next hearing as well.

AG withdraws key documents

In another development in the trial itself, the Attorney-General's Office announced it would no longer rely on certain documents previously submitted as evidence.

The materials, which were contained in two boxes and referenced in paragraph 38 of the witness statement of EOCO Staff Officer Julius Nudanu, related to supplies allegedly authenticated and paid for by the Ministry of Education in favour of NAFCO.

The documents had already been disclosed to both the court and the defense before being withdrawn.

Counsel for the first accused also took aim at the inclusion of an EOCO Assistant Staff Officer on the prosecution team, arguing the officer had no legal standing to represent the state in court, the report indicated.

The prosecution pushed back, insisting EOCO officers have been granted prosecutorial powers through an Executive Instrument.

The court has deferred its ruling on the objection and directed the Attorney-General to produce evidence of such authorisation.

The case has been adjourned to April 29, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

ID/AE