In a dramatic twist of events, a 28-year-old driver, Samuel Issah Abdulai, found himself in handcuffs on his wedding day after being accused of defrauding unsuspecting victims of GH₵352,000 under the guise of securing visas. Abdulai is now facing charges at the Accra Circuit Court.
The prosecution alleges that Abdulai promised his victims, three complainants, electronic visas to countries including Mongolia, Georgia, Albania, and Malaysia, but failed to deliver. The charges against him include three counts of defrauding by false pretences and forgery of documents. Abdulai has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The presiding judge, Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, granted Abdulai bail in the sum of GH₵150,000, requiring three sureties, one of whom must justify their ability to pay. The court further instructed Abdulai to report to the police every two weeks as investigations continue.
The Alleged Fraud Scheme
Chief Inspector Daniel Danku, leading the prosecution, disclosed that Abdulai, in collaboration with an accomplice identified only as Antwi, advertised visa services online between September and December 2024. Using fliers, they targeted individuals eager to work abroad in countries such as Belarus, Andorra, Albania, and Malaysia. Abdulai allegedly portrayed himself as being based in Belarus to make the scam appear credible.
The victims, identified as traders Ohenewa Sarah and Matilda Ayaaba, and businesswoman Aisha Ahmed, reportedly fell for the scheme and transferred significant sums of money to Abdulai. Sarah paid GH₵47,000, Matilda contributed GH₵55,000, and Aisha, who also collected funds from eleven others, handed over a staggering GH₵250,000. The transactions were made via Abdulai’s mobile money account registered in his name.
After receiving the funds, Abdulai reportedly went into hiding, but later resurfaced in December 2024, claiming he had successfully processed the visas. He sent documents via WhatsApp that he claimed were electronic visas. However, upon verification at the Immigration Document Fraud Expertise Centre (DFEC), all the visas were confirmed to be fake.
Arrest at the Altar
The case took a dramatic turn when the complainants and other suspected victims tracked Abdulai to his wedding venue in Nkawie, located in the Ashanti Region. The joyous occasion turned chaotic as the group confronted Abdulai and handed him over to the Teshie police.
The incident has left many stunned, especially as Abdulai’s alleged crimes were brought to light on what should have been one of the happiest days of his life.
Ongoing Investigations
As the case unfolds, the police are pursuing Abdulai’s accomplice, Antwi, who remains at large. The court proceedings have garnered significant public interest, highlighting the need for vigilance when engaging in online transactions, especially those involving large sums of money.
Abdulai’s next court appearance is expected to shed more light on the extent of the alleged fraud and the fate of the stolen funds. Meanwhile, the victims continue to hope for justice and restitution.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
