The Circuit Court, Accra, presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah, is hearing a case involving a 48-year-old businessman, Jenning Tetteh Cole, accused of defrauding 18 individuals under false pretences.
The accused allegedly used the online marketplace app, Jiji, to lure his victims by advertising a dilapidated single-room apartment in Nungua, claiming it was available for rent.
Cole is charged with multiple counts of defrauding by false pretences and has been granted bail. He assured the court he would refund the amounts collected from the complainants.
Chief Inspector Ramata Asumah, who presented the case, stated that between October 21 and December 7, 2024 Cole collected various sums of money totalling GH¢100,060 from the 18 complainants, under the pretext of renovating the room and renting it out to them.
The victims, residing in different parts of Accra, paid amounts ranging between GH¢3,000 and GH¢9,200.
Among them were Michael Koba – GH¢4,100; Gloria Obeng Mensah – GH¢4,800; Bridget Mantey – GH¢3,000; Ignatius Amoah – GH¢4,800; Lina Assuman – GH¢6,000; Samuel Gagli – GH¢3,500; Nana Nyame – GH¢9,000 and Denis Adiseyeco – GH¢6,000.
The other victims are Lydia Hammond – GH¢5,400; Chinonso Chima – GH¢4,800; Akosua Nyarko – GH¢6,000; Grace Nana Acquah – GH¢9,200; Samuel Owusu – GH¢4,500 and GH¢5,000 – Delali Afiah – GH¢6,000; Appiah Ofori Gabriel – GH¢4,800; – Selina Hattor – GH¢5,000 and Gloria Twenboah – GH¢5,500.
Cole reportedly advertised the room on Jiji and convinced each complainant to pay under the guise of securing the property.
However, he failed to deliver on his promise and eventually went into hiding after collecting the money.
Upon discovery that the same room had been rented out to all of them, the complainants reported the matter to the Nungua Police.
The accused was arrested on December 8, 2024, and admitted to the offenses in his cautioned statement. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplice.
Cole has been charged with defrauding by false pretences and the court is yet to determine the outcome of the case.
Meanwhile, the accused has expressed willingness to refund the amounts collected.
