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 encounter with a woman who identified herself as an official of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

According to the lawyer, he became concerned about the identity and authority of the woman after she allegedly failed to provide identification or documentation showing that she had the power to arrest him.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, September 23, Mr Baffour Awuah said he initially offered to drive himself to the EOCO office, but the woman allegedly insisted that he use the vehicle provided by the officials.

He said his concerns increased when he asked to see an arrest warrant but was allegedly not shown one.

The lawyer said the circumstances led him to believe that he could be at risk of being taken away against his will.

“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.

He said he subsequently decided to drive away to what he considered a place of safety, citing his responsibilities as an MP, member of the Minority Caucus, lawyer and family man.

“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 incident occurred after proceedings in the bail application of his client, Salomey Baffoe, who is facing a charge of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication of false information linked to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.

The bail hearing was subsequently adjourned to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence application.

Police allege that Ms Baffoe assisted Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, whom they identify as the operator of the “Ghana Jollof” account, in disseminating online content and recruiting others to circulate the material. The defence has rejected the allegations.

Mr Baffour Awuah’s account of the incident adds a new dimension to the ongoing case, with questions surrounding the reported EOCO encounter yet to be fully clarified publicly.

The lawyer’s side has further alleged that the attempted arrest was connected to his public defence of Ms Baffoe and was intended to intimidate or silence him. That claim has not been independently established.

Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the reported EOCO action, including the identity of the officials involved and the reason for seeking to take the lawyer into custody, remain a matter of contention.