Baffour Awuah’s Detention: ‘48-Hour’ Rule No Excuse to Keep Him in Custody – Effia MP

The Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah Nyarko, has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) not to use the 48-hour statutory detention period as justification for keeping Manhyia South MP Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah in custody for the full duration.

Baffour Awuah remains in EOCO custody as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged unauthorised financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings & Loans.

EOCO has linked the investigation to allegations including financial loss, dissipation of public funds and money laundering. The agency secured a High Court warrant for his arrest after informing the court that previous attempts to secure his attendance for questioning had been unsuccessful.

Baffour Awuah, however, has disputed EOCO’s account, explaining that the invitations issued earlier this year were directed to his former law firm, Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners, which represented SIC Life Savings & Loans.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Friday, October 2, 2026, Mr Nyarko said although the 48-hour period may provide a legal framework for detention, it does not require investigators to keep a suspect in custody until the period expires.

“If the hours have not reached 48, you cannot say they are defaulting or defying the rules, or breaching the rules. However, there can still be an application for bail before 48 hours,” he said.

According to Mr Nyarko, a request for bail was made following Baffour Awuah’s arrest, but EOCO declined the request.

“It shouldn’t be read that because you have 48 hours to grant bail, it is necessary that the person is kept for that period,” he said.

He argued that Baffour Awuah could be released on bail while investigations continue, with investigators retaining the option of requiring him to return for further questioning when necessary.

“If there’s even further interrogation to be done, why can’t he be granted bail and be brought back any time you need him?” he asked.