The High Court in Accra has adjourned the criminal case involving former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, to August 17, 2026, after lawyers for both accused persons failed to appear in court.

Hanan Abdul-Wahab told the court that his lead counsel, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, was unwell and currently on admission.

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Counsel for the second accused, Augustine Obuor, was also absent, with Faiza Wuni informing the court that her lawyer was indisposed.

However, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, questioned the explanation given for Mr Dame’s absence.

He told the court that the lawyer had previously indicated that he would not be available during the legal vacation and had subsequently petitioned the Chief Justice over the decision to proceed with the trial during the period.

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Dr Srem-Sai further argued that if ill health was being relied upon as the reason for counsel’s absence, the court ought to have been provided with medical evidence to substantiate the claim.

Meanwhile, Hanan told the court that he had received a copy of an application for stay of proceedings filed at the Court of Appeal, which is scheduled to be heard on October 19.

He therefore appealed for a longer adjournment to allow the appellate proceedings to take their course.

The presiding judge, however, adjourned the matter to August 17, directing counsel for the first accused to appear and address the court on the pending application for stay of proceedings.