The Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) has denied Fadi Dabboussi, a fierce critic of President John Mhama, access to his lawyer.
The Ghanaian-Lebanese pilot, author of “59 Years Of Ghana To Nowhere; The Future Is Now” and an ardent supporter of Nana Akufo-Addo, was arrested when he landed in Ghana from Lebanon on Friday, 23 September aboard an Egypt Air flight.
BNI officials arrested him upon touching down at the Kotoka International Airport for offensive conduct against President John Mahama.
Fadi's book, according to sources, pushes for a change in leadership in Ghana.
His lawyer, Hassan Tampuli claims his client was driven to the BNI headquarters in Accra after he was picked up at the airport upon an invitation by the Director of BNI.
His home, according to activists who alerted the world about his arrest on social media, was ransacked and copies of his books taken.
“I have been to the office of the BNI and I was denied access to him. I was told the officer responsible for the case was not in the office and that I can only have access to him on Monday,” Tampuli told Joy FM Saturday.
He said his client is a law-abiding citizen, saying he has not broken any law.
The arrest of Fadi Dabboussi comes after president John Mahama addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday where he touted the country’s media freedom, alluding to the fact that 27 million Ghanaians use the media to coach him how he should govern.
Lawyer Threatens To Sue BNI
Meanwhile lawyer for the detained Ghanaian-Lebanese pilot, journalist and author has indicated his resolve to sue the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) for arresting and detaining his client beyond 48hours.
Mr Hassan Tampuli, says he would seek a court order on first thing Monday to compel the BNI to release him or arraign him before the court.
He wonders why the BNI says it does not work on weekends yet they were able to go to his client's house to return the books.
"They should not err on the side of the law they should allow me access to him so I can hear his side of the story and the reason for his arrest. The 48 hours rule applies and it expires midday today [Sunday, September 25]," he said.
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