The Accra High Court (Specialised Court 1) has granted permission to the first accused person in the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) case, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, to leave Thursday’s proceedings after accepting a medical excuse presented on his behalf.
In its ruling, the court noted that although the medical excuse did not state the specific illness affecting Hanan Abdul-Wahab, it had no reason to question its authenticity, despite strong objections from the Attorney-General’s office.
The court also observed that the accused personally appeared before the judge to request permission to be absent from the remainder of the proceedings in line with the medical excuse submitted.
The presiding judge subsequently approved the request, stating that Hanan Abdul-Wahab should be allowed to take his medication and get the rest he said he required.
The court further ruled that the accused was at liberty to leave the courtroom if he wished and directed that the trial should continue in his absence, considering the nature of the proceedings before the court.
Following the ruling, Hanan Abdul-Wahab exited the courtroom with the court’s permission while the hearing continued with the remaining parties.
The court is currently hearing an application filed by Hanan Abdul-Wahab’s legal team seeking a stay of proceedings in the case.
