The Chief Executive Officer of Lumere Group International, Giselle Dede Aklobesse, has been charged with defrauding businessman Amadu Zurikie of GH¢6,480,000.00.
Giselle Aklobesse was absent when the case was called on February 17, 2025 at the Dansoman Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit.
Due to her failure to honour the court summons, the judge adjourned the hearing to March 5. The court will, however, issue a bench warrant if she fails to appear again without a valid reason.
Allegations
According to court documents, Giselle Aklobesse, 45, allegedly obtained $400,000 from Amadu Zurikie under false pretences.
The businessman, a resident of Weija, in Accra, claims Giselle Aklobesse promised to exchange the amount at its cedi equivalent of GH¢6,480,000.00.
The alleged transaction took place on January 16, 2025 at Giselle Aklobesse’s office in Westland, Accra.
She reportedly assured Zurikie that the cedi amount would be delivered within two hours. However, after waiting for over five hours, Giselle Aklobesse requested an additional 15 minutes, but still failed to provide the promised funds.
Realising he had been defrauded, Zurikie demanded the return of his $400,000 but Giselle Aklobesse instead requested two more days to raise the money.
Suspecting foul play, Zurikie reported the matter to the Accra Regional CID, leading to Aklobesse’s arrest.
During police investigations, Aklobesse admitted to collecting the money and claimed she had used it for business transactions that had been delayed. She has since refunded $200,000 while investigations into the matter continue.
Legal Implications
Giselle Aklobesse has been charged with ‘Defrauding by False Pretences’ under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). If found guilty she could face severe penalties, including a custodial sentence.
With her absence in court on February 17, 2025 legal experts suggest that failing to appear on March 5 could lead to a bench warrant for her immediate arrest.
