Manhyia South Member of Parliament and lawyer for detained nurse Salomey Bafoh Awiti, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, says he drove away from the Accra High Court after Wednesday’s confrontation because he feared for his safety.
The incident occurred after the court adjourned Ms Baffoe Awiti’s bail application, following a confrontation between members of the MP’s legal team and a woman believed to be an officer of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Speaking at a press conference after the incident, Mr Baffour Awuah said he attempted to establish whether the woman had a warrant authorising his arrest.
“I also wanted to know about the arrest warrant, whether she had an arrest warrant. She also couldn’t produce anything,” he said.
He said the failure to produce the warrant heightened his concerns about the situation and prompted him to leave the scene.
“It became obvious to me that it was one of the recent kidnappings that have been going on, which is sponsored by the state,” he alleged.
Mr Baffour Awuah said he decided to drive to a place of safety to protect himself, his family and the people he represents, while also ensuring he could continue representing Ms Baffoe Awiti.
“And so at that point, I needed to put myself at a place where I’d be safe so that I could also protect and defend the interest of my client for the benefit of her children, particularly the four-year-old who is waiting for the release of her mother.”
The MP said he subsequently drove to Parliament, where he was joined by his colleagues, adding that he was also scheduled to undertake parliamentary committee work.
“And that is why I had to drive to safety. I’ve come to Parliament, and then my colleagues are behind me, and I thank them very much.”
Mr Baffour Awuah further alleged that the woman attempted to abduct him while he was travelling to Parliament.
“And so she attempted to kidnap me whilst I was on my way to Parliament.”
His account follows EOCO’s confirmation that its officers attempted to arrest him in connection with an ongoing investigation. EOCO said two persons had allegedly intervened to facilitate his escape and that it was assessing their conduct for possible lawful action.
