Trial set for July as Court orders return of seized devices in GH¢78 million Abdul Hanan fraud case

The Accra High Court has pencilled in mid-July for the start of trial proceedings against the former Chief Executive of the National Food Buffer Stock Company and his spouse, accused of orchestrating a scheme to plunder GH¢78 million in state funds.

Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, will face their accusers beginning July 15, 2026, following the completion of preliminary case management discussions that readied both sides for substantive courtroom battle.

In the lead-up to trial, the court granted an important concession to the defence: the State must hand back all electronic equipment — mobile phones, laptops and other devices — that had been confiscated from the accused persons. The deadline for their return is 14 days from the court’s order.

The application for the return of the gadgets came from Augustine Obuor, representing Faiza Seidu Wuni, who pointed out that prosecutors had wrapped up the preliminary conference without ever broaching the subject of the seized electronics. He argued there was no legitimate reason to hold onto them further.

Godfred Yeboah Dame, Aludiba’s defence counsel and a former Attorney-General, echoed the request, noting that his client’s phones and computers remained in State custody and should be released forthwith.

The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, did not resist the application, though he explained that the Forensic Laboratory — which had custody of the devices — had not yet completed its work. He assured the court that the items would eventually find their way back to the accused without judicial intervention.

Ahead of trial, Dame also signalled that the defence would need sight of 69 documents currently held by the prosecution — materials the defence maintains are essential to mount an effective defence. That request had been lodged in writing on June 11, 2026.

The charges facing Aludiba and his wife are sweeping: 20 counts in total, encompassing theft, fraud, misuse of office, causing wilful loss to public coffers, dishonest receipt of funds, and money laundering. At the core of the allegations is the claim that the couple systematically siphoned GH¢78 million from the national treasury.

Both have categorically denied wrongdoing across all charges. They remain at liberty on bail as they await their day in court.

Yaw Opoku Amoako

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