Lead counsel for Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Samuel Atta Akyea, has questioned the manner in which the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) arrested and detained his client, describing the action as inconsistent with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
According to the lawyer, EOCO had earlier contacted Mr Aboagye and informed him that there were allegations against him, adding that the agency would invite him whenever his presence was needed.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Atta Akyea said Mr Aboagye later visited EOCO voluntarily after being contacted but was told that the agency would get back to him.
He explained that EOCO did not reach out again until Mr Aboagye travelled outside the country and was arrested upon his return at the Kotoka International Airport.
“EOCO called him some time back and told him there were some allegations against him and that if they needed him, they would call him. He went there, and they told him they would contact him later,” he said.
“But they did not contact him until he travelled outside the country. When he was returning, they arrested him at the airport.”
The lawyer questioned why EOCO chose to arrest Mr Aboagye at the airport when he had already shown willingness to cooperate with investigations.
“If you have power, does it really matter that someone who has allegedly committed a crime will return to Ghana and you use that means to arrest him, especially when you have already told him that you will invite him when you are ready?” he asked.
Mr Atta Akyea accused the agency of using the arrest to demonstrate authority rather than following due process.
“We don’t do the right thing, but because they want to show where power lies, they arrest him and put him there for days without any interrogation,” he said.
He stressed that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
“The Constitution says everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. So why did you arrest him and keep him there? For what reason?” he questioned.
The lawyer said he was surprised to learn that Mr Aboagye had spent nearly 48 hours in custody without speaking to investigators.
“I was shocked because he is not a criminal. He has not run away. He did not use Togo or any other route; he came through Kotoka International Airport. So why treat him like that?” he said.
Mr Atta Akyea warned that using state power to intimidate individuals undermines democratic principles.
“They have the power, and the idea that we must show someone where power lies is a backward understanding of democracy. We don’t bend the rule of law,” he added.
He urged EOCO officials to ensure that suspects are treated with dignity and in accordance with Ghana’s democratic values.
“We don’t treat someone like a commodity just to detain the person; otherwise, we will become a country that does not practise democracy,” he said.
Mr Aboagye, an aide to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was arrested on Sunday, July 12, upon arrival at the Kotoka International Airport by immigration officers and subsequently handed over to EOCO.
His arrest triggered protests from some NPP supporters, who described the action as politically motivated and demanded his immediate release.
He was released on Tuesday, July 14, after meeting his GH¢50 million bail conditions following four days in EOCO custody.
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