Two individuals, Michael Arthur, 22, and Martha Agblega, 25, together with their accomplices currently at large, have been dragged before the Circuit Court 6 in Accra for allegedly defrauding Bishop Joseph Osei Bonsu of GH¢2.5 million through a sophisticated social media scam.
The accused, Michael Arthur, unemployed, and Agblega, a trader are facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and defrauding by false pretences, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
No plea was taken when they appeared before His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
The court has remanded them into police custody to reappear on August 20, 2025.
According to the prosecution, led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, the accused persons operated as part of an online fraud syndicate using social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to lure unsuspecting victims.
In 2023, Michael Arthur reportedly created a fake Facebook account under the name “Nana Ama”, presenting himself as a woman. Through this profile, he initiated contact with Bishop Osei Bonsu.
Investigations revealed that Martha Agblega, impersonating the female person, during voice calls, established a rapport with the Bishop over time.
Together with their accomplices, Richard and Tanko (both currently at large), the syndicate convinced the Bishop to part with GH¢2.5 million under the pretext of securing him an acre of land.
“The accused individuals and their accomplices knowingly made false representations to the Bishop, promising to help him acquire land, and in the process fraudulently obtained the funds,” DSP Nyamekye told the court.
Police intelligence operations led to the arrest of Arthur and Agblega on July 31, 2025, from their hideout in BremaAsikuma, Central region.
Preliminary investigations indicate that parts of the defrauded funds were used to acquire vehicles and other properties for the personal use of the accused.
The case remains under investigation, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The court will reconvene on August 20, 2025 for further proceedings.
