Samuel Atta Akyea, lawyer for former National Signals Bureau boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene, on Tuesday criticised the re-arrest of his client, describing the act as an unjustified one despite the expiration of a court-ordered remand.
Adu-Boahene, who is facing charges of stealing, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state, was initially remanded on Friday, May 2, for seven working days over allegations of witness tampering.
However, following the expiration of the remand, he was reportedly released briefly before being re-arrested and returned to the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Speaking to journalists at the court premises, Mr. Atta Akyea expressed frustration over the development, saying it undermined due process.
“At the last sitting, the judge ordered that he should have his freedom on Monday, May 12. They said they have another matter they are investigating concerning him. So, when he was supposed to have his freedom, by their calculations, they released him at midnight and rearrested him on the basis of a new matter they were looking at,” said the lawyer
The question is, in the period when he had his freedom, why didn’t they deal with the matter?” he queried.
Atta Akyea further questioned the motives behind the move, suggesting it may be part of a broader attempt to keep his client unjustly detained.
“Is somebody very excited over the incarceration of another Ghanaian, with all manner of tactics…that is unfortunate. He’s gone back to EOCO. I’m going back there to find out what the new issue is,” he added.
Mr. Atta Akyea also argued that his client is not a flight risk and is already on substantial bail, calling on authorities to uphold the principles of justice and fair treatment.
“He’s on huge bail, he’s leaving nowhere, I believe that they should come clean that this is a personal vendetta. This is a man you believe you have some criminal case against; you give him space to defend himself and give him also the freedom.
“Even murderers are bailable, I don’t think we’re going to rewrite the criminal jurisprudence of Ghana because of one man.”
Though the specifics of the new arrest remain unclear, the Attorney General had previously hinted that Mr. Adu-Boahene is under investigation in relation to an internet connectivity case at Ghana Water Limited.
In the main case involving the alleged diversion of GH₵49.1 million, the court has adjourned proceedings to May 26 for a case management conference. The state has filed all witness statements and is expected to disclose them to the defence by May 20. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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