‘I Thought It Was a Kidnapping’ – Manhyia South MP on Alleged EOCO Encounter

Manhyia South Member of Parliament and lawyer for Salomey Baffoe, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has explained why he drove away from the Accra High Court after an alleged attempt by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to take him into custody.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, September 23, the MP said a woman who identified herself as an EOCO official approached him but failed to provide documentation to establish her identity or demonstrate that she had the authority to arrest him.

Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah said he offered to drive himself to the EOCO office, but the woman rejected the proposal and insisted that he travel in their vehicle.

He said his concerns deepened when she was also unable to produce an arrest warrant after he requested to see one.

According to the MP, the circumstances led him to believe that he could be the target of a possible kidnapping.

“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 said.

He said he consequently decided to drive away to a place of safety, citing his obligations to his constituents, the Minority Caucus, his family and his client, Salomey Baffoe.

“And that is why I had to run. I had to drive to safety. I’ve come to Parliament and then my colleagues are behind me and I thank them very much,” he said.

The reported incident occurred after proceedings in the bail application involving Salomey Baffoe, who is facing an abetment of crime charge over the alleged publication of false information associated with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.

The High Court has since adjourned the bail hearing to September 24 after the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the application.

The MP’s side has also alleged that the reported attempt to take him into custody was connected to his public defence of Baffoe. Police have accused Baffoe of assisting the operator of the “Ghana Jollof” account in disseminating content.

EOCO has yet to publicly comment on the reported encounter.