Three Arrested After Unauthorized Drones Deployed Over EOCO Headquarters
Three individuals, including a woman, were detained after flying drones over the EOCO building during the MP’s questioning.
Three persons were arrested by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) on Thursday, October 1, for operating drones over its headquarters without permission, an act deemed a security breach. The arrests followed the appearance of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the agency for questioning amid heightened security protocols. EOCO officials intercepted the drone activity after it persisted for several minutes, leading to immediate pursuit and detention. The incident occurred less than a day after an Accra High Court issued a warrant authorising the MP’s arrest, though he voluntarily presented himself to assist investigators. The court order also permitted EOCO to search for relevant documents, citing concerns over evidence preservation. Although EOCO claimed it had made multiple attempts to secure the MP’s attendance, including formal invitations in February 2026, the MP’s legal representative disputed this, stating the invitations were directed to his former law firm rather than personally. The MP confirmed that representatives of the firm had attended EOCO sessions on March 4, March 18 and April 30 to provide documentation. The investigation stems from alleged irregular financial transactions at SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Limited, where the MP previously practiced law. EOCO is examining potential money laundering, misuse of public funds and financial loss linked to the firm’s operations. During the proceedings, the MP’s counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, challenged the legality of the search and seizure of the firm’s records, arguing that the case file had already been handed to a client and that EOCO lacked justification for conducting raids. He emphasized that confronting unauthorised financial activity is essential, while also warning that targeting political figures could undermine public trust in investigative bodies. Despite mounting legal debates, the MP remained in custody pending further hearings, with his lawyer indicating plans to appeal certain aspects of the court’s directives. The arrests have sparked broader discourse on the intersection of national security, political accountability and due process.
