Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over its attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, arguing that investigative agencies must observe due process when dealing with citizens.
The lawmaker, who is also a lawyer, said refusing to honour an invitation from an investigative body does not, on its own, give the agency grounds to make an arrest.
“No citizen is under obligation to assist any investigative body in investigations,” he stated.
According to him, EOCO should rely on evidence and follow the appropriate legal procedure if it believes someone has committed an offence.
“If there is a complaint before you and you believe you have evidence to place the person under an arrest, go ahead. You can’t say you invited the person, and for a long time, it hasn’t been honoured so you go ahead to make arrest,” he said.
Sosu clarified that his position was not intended to prevent law enforcement agencies from carrying out their duties, but to ensure that those duties are performed within the law.
“Nobody is saying law enforcement agencies shouldn’t do their work, but it should be in accordance with the law. Why is the person your boyfriend or girlfriend for you to say you invited the person and the invitation was not honoured?” he questioned.
He also argued that an agency cannot accuse a citizen of violating the law while simultaneously failing to observe the required procedure when making an arrest.
“You can’t say someone has flouted the law, and you will also breach the procedure to effect an arrest,” he said.
Sosu urged law enforcement agencies to strictly adhere to due process to avoid unnecessary confrontations with citizens.
“Due processes must be followed. We must all follow the law and due process, and everything will be fine,” he urged.
