SIC file was surrendered to client, EOCO has no reason to search Manhyia South MP’s firm – Atta Akyea

Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea has challenged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for searching his client, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Manhyia South MP's law firm in connection with the SIC Life matter. According to Akyea, a specific file EOCO seeks was already handed over to SIC Life, the client involved. Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, he stated that there is no reason for investigators to presume the file is still at Baffour Awuah's law firm.

Akyea explained that the law firm stores confidential documents for multiple clients, raising concerns about potential exposure of unrelated information during the search. He emphasized that accessing files unrelated to the investigation could expose EOCO to legal repercussions. When asked whether EOCO might be breaching laws by handling confidential documents belonging to other clients, Akyea highlighted that the law firm is a sanctuary of confidentiality, protecting clients' issues. Therefore, searching a law firm in relation to others' matters could be absurd.

He also questioned the basis of the investigation, arguing that Baffour Awuah acted on his client's instructions regarding the SIC Life matter. A settlement, even if unfavorable, does not automatically constitute criminal conduct, Akyea pointed out. When the search of the law firm and Baffour Awuah’s residence was ongoing, EOCO was expected to continue searching. Baffour Awuah is currently under investigation by EOCO for alleged unauthorized financial transactions at SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.