Four individuals, including a businessman and a real estate agent, are facing charges at the Circuit Court in Dansoman for allegedly defrauding a businessman of GH¢320,000.00 under the pretence of securing government-released lands in prime locationsin Accra.
The accused are 45-year-old businessman Eshawu Shaibu, 54-year-old real estate agent Eric Ansah and two others, identified as Sam Billson and John Mensah Appiah, who are currently at large.
They are charged with conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretence under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The Allegations
According to court documents, between March 1, 2023 and April 27, 2023 the accused conspired to deceive the complainant, George Oti Bonsu, a businessman residing at East Legon.
The accused allegedly promised to help him acquire government-released lands in Dzorwulu, Airport and Cantonments, as well as process documentation for the said lands.
Eshawu reportedly introduced Oti Bonsu to Eric Ansah and another accomplice, Sam Billson, who falsely claimed to be staff members of the Lands Commission. They showed Oti Bonsu the purported lands to convince him of their authenticity.
Payments and Deception
The complainant made several payments totalling GH¢320,000.00:
GH¢20,000.00 on March 1, 2023 to initiate the process.
GH¢70,000.00 on March 9, 2023.
GH¢100,000.00 on March 16, 2023 for documentation and an offer letter.
GH¢30,000.00 on March 30, 2023 for additional documentation.
GH¢100,000.00 on April 27, 2023 to John Mensah Appiah, who claimed he could expedite the process.
Despite the payments, the accused failed to deliver the promised lands or documentation, offering flimsy excuses instead.
Arrest and Investigation
The matter was reported to the police on October 30, 2024 leading to the arrest of Eshawu Shaibu and Eric Ansah at their hideouts.
In their caution statements, both admitted to collecting the money but failed to provide the promised services.
The case remains under investigation, with efforts underway to apprehend the two accomplices at large.
The court is expected to delve into the case to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused.
If found guilty they could face severe penalties for defrauding by false pretence.
