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The Tema Circuit Court B has granted bail to Michael Opoku Ofori, a 32-year-old businessman accused of defrauding an online rice trader. Presided over by Mrs Klorkor Okai-Mills, the court set Ofori’s bail at GH₵100,000.00 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified. Ofori pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding by false pretense and issuing a false cheque.
According to Inspector Jacob Kuubal, the prosecution disclosed that Ofori, using the alias “Opoku Clef” on Facebook, approached traders Daniel Appertey and Patience Sitsope Zartey, expressing interest in purchasing local perfumed rice. The transaction involved 120 bags at GH₵450.00 per bag, amounting to GH₵54,000.00. Initially an online deal, it progressed to a face-to-face meeting at the East Legon Hisense building, where Ofori received the rice samples and an invoice.
However, suspicions arose when the bank deposit slip provided by Ofori, supposedly indicating payment, was found to be fraudulent. Further investigations uncovered Ofori’s links to a larger syndicate involved in similar scams. This syndicate’s method entails placing online orders, enticing victims to deliver products, and subsequently using dishonored cheque slips for payment. As authorities continue probing, one significant accomplice, Stephen Nana Boadi Danso, remains at large.
Source: Ghana Crimes Twitter
