Charles Cobblah, a 55-year-old businessman, has been remanded into police custody by the Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Susan Eduful, in connection with an alleged land fraud scheme.
The prosecution, led by DSP Evans Kesse, was ordered to file all necessary disclosures and statements before the next hearing.
Charles Cobblah, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, faces two counts; defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and fraudulent transaction of land, contrary to Section 277(2) of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
The case was first heard on October 9, 2024 called again on October 16, 2024 and later adjourned to October 28, 2024 for further proceedings.
Background of the Case
According to the facts presented by the prosecution, the complainant, Irene Esinam Tordjro, a businesswoman and the lawful attorney of her brother, Isaac Selorm Tordjro, was defrauded by Charles Cobblah in 2022.
Isaac Selorm Tordjro, who resides in the United States, had expressed interest in acquiring land in Ghana for a building project. Irene Esinam Tordjro was introduced to Charles Cobblah as a businessman involved in land sales.
Charles Cobblah allegedly demanded and received GH¢188,000.00 in cash and electrical appliances from Irene in exchange for two plots of land located at Kasoa-Ofaakor, valued at GH¢200,000.00.
Charles Cobblah promised to deliver the land documents after full payment. On June 23, 2024, Irene visited the land only to find it being developed by another individual, who claimed Cobblah had sold the same plots to him. When confronted, Cobblah admitted to reselling the land and promised a refund, which never materialised.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the complaint lodged by Irene, Charles Cobblah was arrested by the police. During the investigation, Charles Cobblah confessed to the offence and refunded GH¢10,000.00, a fraction of the total sum.
However, after failing to fulfill the rest of his promise, he was charged and arraigned.
The court has now remanded him into police custody pending further proceedings, while the prosecution continues to gather evidence for the trial.
