The Economic and Organised Crime Office has re-arrested former Chief Executive of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company, Hanan Abdul-Wahab, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, shortly after a court discharged them following the withdrawal of charges by the Attorney-General’s Department.

The couple had been on trial with others over their alleged involvement in a food procurement deal under the national school feeding programme, a case linked to a reported loss of GH¢78 million to the state.

At proceedings on Tuesday, May 5, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai informed the court that the prosecution had discontinued the case after new evidence emerged. He explained that the move was to ensure a fair and expeditious trial process.

Following the announcement, the court struck out the charges, leading to the discharge of the accused persons.

However, moments after leaving court, operatives of EOCO moved in to pick up Mr Abdul-Wahab and his wife again. Authorities have yet to publicly outline the grounds for the latest arrest.

The case has seen several legal disputes in recent weeks, including disagreements over witness statements and the role of EOCO personnel in the prosecution team.

At an earlier sitting, the presiding judge, Justice Achibonga, directed the Attorney-General’s Department to provide proof of authorisation for the involvement of an EOCO officer in the case.

The latest twist is expected to heighten public scrutiny, as questions arise over the legal basis for the re-arrest following the withdrawal of charges.