Lawyer for Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Samuel Atta Akyea, has disclosed that his client has been detained by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
He revealed this during an interview with Alfred Ocansey on Ghana Tonight on 1 October.
“They have detained him and I don’t know why,” he stated.
“This is a law-abiding citizen. A Member of Parliament, he is not a flight risk. They could have asked me to bring him tomorrow. But no… This is pure show of power,” Mr Atta Akyea said.
The detention of Mr Baffour Awuah followed a search of his office by EOCO officials.
“Items unrelated to EOCO investigations including CCTV footages were seized from Baffour Awuah’s office. Charges preferred against the Manhyia South MP don’t make sense. They may as well charge SIC Life,” he further stated.
Earlier, EOCO urged the general public to allow its officers to conduct investigations into allegations levelled against the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, without speculation.
This was contained in a press statement that confirmed the arrest of the legislator upon surrendering himself to the anti-graft agency.
“The Office will continue to pursue all relevant lines of inquiry, examine the available evidence and afford all persons involved their rights under the Constitution and applicable laws.
The public is therefore urged to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without speculation or premature conclusions regarding the culpability of any individual,” EOCO said in the statement dated 1 October.
“EOCO further wishes to assure the public that its investigations will progress professionally, independently and in accordance with due process,” the statement added.
EOCO said Mr Baffour Awuah reported to its Head Office in Accra at approximately 10:00 a.m. to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to EOCO, his appearance follows several months of efforts by the Office to secure his attendance in connection with investigations into alleged criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering, tax-related offences and other related matters.
The Office said it has commenced applicable investigative and operational procedures and has placed Mr Baffour Awuah under arrest. He is currently cooperating with investigators as the process proceeds.
