The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah, has remanded a 40-year-old businessman, Adesolape Funmise Ogunba into police custody on charges of defrauding by false pretence. Prosecuting Officer, ASP Raymond Akom, presented the case, which has been adjourned to October 16, 2024 for further hearings.
The accused, Ogunba, a Nigerian resident in Dubai, allegedly defrauded another Nigerian businessman, Mr. Nduomyi Bassey, residing in East Legon, Accra, off $130,000 between 2022 and 2023.
According to the facts before the court, Ogunba obtained the amount under false pretence of selling a Richard Mille 1102 wristwatch in Dubai and delivering it to the complainant in Ghana. The charge falls under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Case Detail
The prosecution detailed that Ogunba, through Snapchat and WhatsApp, communicated with Mr. Bassey, convincing him to pay for the luxury watch.
On July 6, 2022 the complainant transferred 11,960,000 Naira (₦11,960,000.00) to Ogunba’s account in Nigeria and sent the remaining balance, via a Bitcoin wallet, provided by the accused.
Despite acknowledging receipt of the $130,000, Ogunba allegedly failed to deliver the watch and cut off all communication with Mr. Bassey, disappearing from contact.
After several failed attempts to reach Ogunba, Mr. Bassey lodged a complaint, which led to an investigation by INTERPOL.
A warrant was issued by the Magistrate District Court, previously presided over by Her Worship Ama Adomako-Kwarkye, leading to Ogunba’s eventual arrest.
During interrogation, Ogunba admitted to receiving the ₦11,960,000 but claimed that the funds sent through the Bitcoin wallet were with an accomplice, reportedly hiding in Nigeria and Dubai. The police are collaborating with INTERPOL to uncover the full details of the crime and apprehend the accomplice.
Further investigations are ongoing and Ogunba has been charged with defrauding by false pretence, awaiting his next court appearance on October 16, 2024.
