The High Court in Accra has adjourned the criminal trial 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.
The adjournment followed the failure of lawyers representing both accused persons to appear in court.
Hanan Abdul-Wahab told the court that his lead counsel, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, was unwell and had been admitted to hospital.
Counsel for Faiza Seidu Wuni, Augustine Obuor, was also absent. Faiza informed the court that her lawyer was indisposed.
However, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, questioned the explanation for Mr Dame’s absence.
According to him, Mr Dame had earlier indicated that he would not be available during the legal vacation and had subsequently petitioned the Chief Justice after the trial was scheduled to continue during the period.
Dr Srem-Sai further argued that if ill health was being relied upon to explain counsel’s absence, the court ought to be provided with medical evidence to substantiate the claim.
Meanwhile, Hanan told the court that he had received a copy of an application filed at the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of proceedings in the case.
He said the application had been scheduled for hearing on October 19 and appealed to the High Court to grant a longer adjournment to allow the appellate process to run its course.
The presiding judge, however, declined to grant the longer adjournment and fixed August 17 for the case to continue.
The court also directed counsel for the first accused to appear on the next date and address it on the pending application for a stay of proceedings.
