Samuel Inkoom, a 35-year-old footballer, appeared before the Circuit Court in Accra on Tuesday, this week, facing two charges of defrauding by false pretences.
Presided over by Her Honour Susan Eduful, the court granted bail to Inkoom in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties, each earning not less than GH¢5,000.
He was also ordered to deposit his passport at the court registry until the trial concludes.
The case is scheduled to reconvene on January 27, 2025.
Charges and Allegations
Samuel Inkoom is accused of fraudulently obtaining a total of $6,000 from two complainants, Elizabeth Atarime Mboh Awuni and Abigail Owusu, under the pretence of securing U.S. visas for them.
On Count One, the prosecution alleges that in December 2023, Inkoom falsely represented himself as capable of obtaining a U.S. visa for Awuni’s client for $4,000.
Awuni, an Entrepreneur residing at Oyarifa, Accra, allegedly paid the amount to Inkoom, only for him to fail to deliver on his promise.
On Count Two, Inkoom allegedly defrauded Owusu, a public servant, also from Oyarifa, of $2,000 under the same pretence. He promised to deliver the visa within six to eight weeks, but later went into hiding.
Brief Facts
According to the prosecution, Awuni met Inkoom at Achimota while the latter was scouting for football talents.
During their conversation, Inkoom claimed he was involved in travel and tour services, including visa acquisition. Convinced by his assurances, Awuni paid him $4,000 to secure a U.S. visa for her client.
Similarly, Owusu, who later met Inkoom, also paid $2,000 for the same service. When the promised timelines elapsed without results, both complainants reported the matter to the police.
Police investigations revealed that Inkoom had no partner in the U.S. to facilitate the visa acquisition process, as he claimed. Instead, the prosecution alleged that he fabricated the story to swindle the complainants.
During his arrest, police retrieved $2,000 from Inkoom, which was returned to Awuni. However, the remaining amount remain unaccounted for.
Inkoom admitted collecting the money but failed to provide evidence to support his claims of engaging a US-based partner.
Bail Conditions
Judge Susan Eduful emphasised the importance of ensuring Inkoom’s presence in court throughout the trial.
The stringent bail conditions, including the deposit of his passport, reflect the court’s intent to prevent him from fleeing the country.
The trial will resume on January 27, 2025 as the prosecution builds its case against Inkoom.
If found guilty he could face significant penalties under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offenses Act, Act 29/60.
