Legal firm Dame & Partners has strongly condemned the Attorney-General’s justification of the arrest of businessman Hanan Abdul-Wahab, describing it as riddled with “grave misrepresentation of facts” and a calculated attempt to tarnish their client’s reputation.
In a sharply worded press release issued today, the firm accused the Attorney-General and security agencies of abusing power and deliberately disobeying a High Court order that granted Abdul-Wahab leave to travel to the United Kingdom.
The controversy stems from the arrest of Abdul-Wahab on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Accra International Airport, shortly after the High Court had permitted him to leave the jurisdiction.
According to Dame & Partners, their client was detained despite the court order, prompting the Attorney-General to issue a press statement on July 7 defending the action.
Key rebuttals by the legal team:
- False claim on court application: The firm stated that the Attorney-General falsely claimed to have filed an application to review the court’s travel order as of July 7. Records at the court registry, however, show the application was only filed today, July 8, at 1:30 pm.
- No charges filed: Despite the serious allegations made by the Attorney-General, Hanan Abdul-Wahab has neither been formally charged nor brought before any court of law.
- Bank account allegations rejected: The lawyers vehemently denied claims that their client attempted to unlawfully empty a frozen bank account. They challenged the Attorney-General to produce concrete evidence — such as a cheque, withdrawal slip, or any document — showing an attempt to withdraw funds. “Our client arrived at the airport having neither withdrawn any money nor presented any document seeking to do so,” the statement read.
- No valid freezing order: Dame & Partners asserted that there is currently no valid court order freezing their client’s accounts, as earlier freezing orders from a previous prosecution had lapsed.
- Unreasonable bail conditions: The firm criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for imposing fresh bail conditions of GH¢5 million with two sureties, describing them as “outrageous and unreasonable,” especially since Abdul-Wahab is already on court-granted bail and reports fortnightly to EOCO.
The statement concluded that the arrest was “totally unfair” and an abuse of power by the Attorney-General, EOCO, and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
Hanan Abdul-Wahab has reportedly resolved to remain in custody until the courts uphold his fundamental human rights, expressing unwavering faith in the judiciary.
