The Accra High Court has adjourned the trial of former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, to October 7, 2026.

The adjournment followed an application by the defence for the release of mobile phones and other electronic devices seized from the accused persons.

Presided over by Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, the court ruled that it would first determine the application before the substantive trial could commence.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh on October 1, 2026, Counsel for Aludiba, Godfred Yeboah Dame, told the court that some of the phones were seized from his client last year, while others were taken following his arrest at the airport.

He argued that the devices contained information necessary for the conduct of the trial and were relevant to matters forming the subject of the proceedings.

Dame said the release of the phones was necessary to enable his client to adequately prepare his defence in accordance with Article 19(2)(e) and (g) of the 1992 Constitution.

Counsel for the second accused, Augustine Obuor, also informed the court that his client was seeking the release of her electronic gadgets, which the defence intended to rely on in raising an objection.

Court summons EOCO over graffiti at former NAFCO CEO's home

The Principal State Attorney, Esi Denta Yanka, opposed the application delaying the start of the trial, arguing that the case had already been scheduled for the examination-in-chief of the first prosecution witness.

She said the proceedings would be recorded, giving the defence an opportunity to examine the proceedings and, at the appropriate stage, cross-examine the witness.

Justice Achibonga, however, held that the application for the release of the seized properties had to be determined before the prosecution could proceed with its case.

The court said the defence's preparation included the right to object to evidence the prosecution might seek to tender, and therefore the trial could not begin without first determining the application concerning the phones and other properties.

Aludiba and his wife are facing charges including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the Republic, using public office for profit, dishonestly receiving and money laundering over alleged financial misconduct involving NAFCO.

The case had earlier been adjourned to September 29 and 30 after the court rejected a request for an adjournment to October 19 pending the determination of a stay of proceedings application before the Court of Appeal.

MRA/VPO

Inside Ghana’s Abandoned Engineering Powerhouse: What Went Wrong?