The Circuit Court 10 in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, has granted a GH¢600,000 bail with four sureties to a car dealer, Yakubu Seidu, who has been accused of defrauding a businessman under the pretext of selling him a 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Two of the sureties are required to justify with immovable property.
Yakubu Seidu pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Chief Inspector Clemence Takyi is prosecuting the case.
Background
According to the brief facts presented to the court, the complainant, Augustine Amankwah, a businessman residing at Manso-Atwere, sought to purchase a 2015 model Toyota Land Cruiser in 2023. He was introduced to the accused, Yakubu Seidu, a car dealer based at Gbawe-Gonse in Accra.
The prosecution said Seidu claimed he could supply the vehicle and showed pictures to the complainant, leading both parties to agree on a price of GH¢800,000. On November 23, 2023 the complainant reportedly paid GH¢600,000 as part payment.
Yakubu Seidu is said to have handed the vehicle to the complainant’s acquaintance, who delivered it to him in Kumasi.
However, upon inspection, the complainant discovered that the vehicle was a 2009 model, not the 2015 model he had paid for.
The court heard that when confronted, Seidu promised to replace the vehicle and later accepted its return, but failed to supply the agreed model.
Multiple requests for a refund were unsuccessful, prompting the complainant to lodge a report with the Police.
Yakubu Seidu was arrested on August 23, 2024, and during investigations allegedly asked for three months to refund the money.
He has since refunded GH¢120,000, leaving a balance outstanding. He was subsequently charged and arraigned.
The case has been adjourned to December 9, 2025, for continuation.
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