Ex-NAFCO CEO case: High Court sets October 7 to determine application for release of seized mobile phones
This comes after lawyers for the accused persons raised concerns over seized properties they say are needed for the preparation of their defence.
The High Court has delayed the trial of former National Food and Buffer Stock Company Ltd CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, until October 7, 2026. This comes after their legal representatives requested the release of mobile phones and other properties seized from the accused. The case was set to begin with the prosecution's examination-in-chief of its first witness, but lawyers for Hanan Aludiba argued that the phones contain crucial information for his defense.
They cited Article 19(2)(e) and (g) of the constitution, which guarantees adequate time and facilities for preparing a defense. The prosecution, however, opposed the immediate determination of the application, stating that the court proceedings are a court of record and allowing defense counsel to review evidence and raise issues at the appropriate stage.
They also noted that the witness statements were filed on June 3 and June 11, 2026, and there was nothing new in them to prevent the prosecution from proceeding. The court, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga, agreed that the application concerning the seized properties had to be determined before the trial could proceed.
The court emphasized that adequate defense preparation includes the accused's ability to object to evidence the prosecution intends to present. Consequently, the matter was adjourned to October 7, 2026, at 11 am for further consideration.
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