Private legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor has called on the lawyers of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, to immediately file a habeas corpus application to secure her release.

His call follows the Court of Appeal’s decision on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to strike out as withdrawn the Attorney-General’s application seeking a stay of execution of its earlier decision acquitting and discharging Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu.

Mr Barker-Vormawor had, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 11, questioned the continued detention of Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu following her acquittal and discharge.

“Her lawyers must file a Habeas Corpus immediately. Something I wish they had done earlier,” he said.

His comments have gained renewed attention after the Attorney-General withdrew the application for a stay of execution before the Court of Appeal.

The State informed the court on Wednesday that it had filed a notice withdrawing the application on August 10, prompting the court to strike it out as withdrawn.

Although the Attorney-General has separately appealed the Court of Appeal’s decision at the Supreme Court, with the case scheduled for hearing on October 13, Mr Barker-Vormawor maintained that the pending appeal should not justify keeping Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu in custody.

“I am disappointed. The Republic has no reason and basis to keep holding on to Sedina. Release the woman,” he said.

He further urged the State to pursue civil proceedings to recover any public funds allegedly lost in connection with the case rather than continue holding the former MASLOC CEO.

“Let her go. The way forward now is to recover our money for us. Use the civil processes,” he said.

Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in absentia by the High Court in April 2024 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, on July 30, 2026, the Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the conviction and ordered her acquittal and discharge.