Lawyers to EOCO: Release Hanan Abdul-Wahab’s Cash, Phones and Passport or We’ll Sue

Legal representatives for Hanan Abdul-Wahab, former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company [NAFCO], are demanding EOCO return all his personal items seized during detention, or they will take legal action.

In a letter dated July 9, 2026 to the Attorney-General and EOCO, the lawyers said keeping his property after his release is unlawful.

The demand comes after Abdul-Wahab was rearrested by EOCO. This happened after the Attorney-General dropped previous charges against him and others due to what they called "fresh evidence."

He was first picked up on July 4 at Kotoka International Airport while about to fly to the UK for a medical appointment. He was held by the Bureau of National Intelligence and later EOCO, before being released unconditionally on the night of July 8.

According to his lawyers, at the time of arrest he had two phones and three envelopes with money meant for his trip and treatment. The cash included £5,000, £1,700 and GH¢12,750.

When he reported to EOCO on July 9 to collect his things as directed, they say he was only given an empty purse, a wristwatch and his boarding pass. The investigating officer reportedly told him he wasn’t authorized to release the cash and phones.

The lawyers called EOCO’s continued hold on the items “unlawful” and asked for the immediate return of the two phones, the money, and all other property in their custody. They also want a full report on any data taken from the phones.

They added that the money was borrowed specifically for travel and medical care and has no connection to any frozen accounts.

The legal team further alleged that EOCO accessed data on the phones on July 6 and July 7 without court approval, describing it as a “serious breach” of Abdul-Wahab’s right to privacy under Article 18(2) of the 1992 Constitution.

They also accused EOCO of holding onto his passport despite a High Court order on June 29, 2026 that allowed him to travel and required the passport be returned to the court registrar when he comes back. Keeping it now, they argue, violates Article 21(4).

The letter was signed by the legal team led by former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame.

“We hope we will not be compelled to resort to unnecessary litigation,” they warned.