Manhyia South MP and lawyer for detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has explained his dramatic exit from the Accra High Court premises following an attempted arrest by operatives of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The MP said he was forced to “drive to safety” after a confrontation with a woman who identified herself as an EOCO official and attempted to arrest him.
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House on Wednesday, Nana Baffour Awuah said the woman failed to provide identification, proof of authority or an arrest warrant when he asked for them.
He claimed he offered to drive himself to the EOCO office to verify the invitation but the official insisted that he use an EOCO vehicle, which heightened his suspicion.
“It became obvious to me that it was one of the recent kidnappings that have been going on, which is sponsored by the state,” Nana Baffour Awuah alleged.
The incident occurred shortly after the High Court adjourned the bail application of Ms Baffoe Awiti to Thursday, September 24.
Footage of the incident, which has since circulated widely on social media, shows a confrontation involving the MP, members of his legal team and persons believed to be EOCO operatives.
Nana Baffour Awuah said he had also asked the woman to produce an arrest warrant but she could not provide one.
“I also wanted to know about the arrest warrant, whether she had an arrest warrant. She also couldn’t produce anything,” he said.
According to him, the circumstances heightened his concerns for his safety, prompting him to leave the scene.
He said his decision was also intended to enable him to continue serving his constituents, the Minority Caucus and his client.
“And so at that point, I needed to defend and protect myself for the benefit of the good people of Manhyia South, who I serve, the minority caucus, my children, and my whole family,” he said.
Nana Baffour Awuah said he subsequently drove to Parliament, where some of his colleagues joined him.
“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,” he said.
He further alleged that the woman attempted to abduct him while he was on his way to Parliament.
“And so she attempted to kidnap me whilst I was on my way to Parliament,” he alleged.
EOCO Fires Back
EOCO, however, has given a different account of the incident, insisting that its officers were acting within their statutory mandate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, the Office said its officers had attempted to arrest Nana Baffour Awuah in connection with an ongoing investigation.
According to EOCO, the MP had previously been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but failed to honour the invitations.
The Office said it subsequently took steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law.
“EOCO wishes to clarify that its officers, acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities, attempted to effect the arrest of Hon. Baffour today, 23 September 2026, in connection with an ongoing investigation,” the statement said.
EOCO said the attempted arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and its officers assessed that further action could endanger public safety.
The Office also said it had identified two persons who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP’s escape.
“Their conduct is being assessed and lawful steps may follow,” EOCO warned.
The Office further acknowledged that Nana Baffour Awuah subsequently went to Parliament to seek sanctuary, although Parliament is currently on recess.
EOCO said it recognised and respected the constitutional privileges and immunities afforded Members of Parliament but stressed that parliamentary membership does not automatically bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law,” it said.
The Office said it would review available video evidence and the circumstances surrounding the incident before determining its next steps.
Meanwhile, the High Court has adjourned Ms Baffoe Awiti’s bail application to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence’s application.
The police have previously said Ms Baffoe Awiti is accused of abetting the publication of false information linked to the Ghana Jollof TikTok account.
