A Bench Warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 67-year-old travel agent, Abdallah Tijani, after he failed to appear in court for a criminal trial over allegations that he defrauded a food vendor of $16,000 under the pretence of securing U.S. visas for her two sons.
The Circuit Court in Dansoman, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, issued the warrant after Tijani refused to appear for hearings on February 5 and 17, despite being duly summoned.
Tijani faces a single count of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The court is set to reconvene on the matter on March 3, 2025.
The Alleged Fraud
According to Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, the complainant, Hajia Fati Yussif, a food vendor based in Alhaji-Tabora, Accra, sought assistance in May 2023 to help her two sons travel to the United States for better opportunities.
She was introduced to Tijani by an acquaintance, Hajia Ayi, who assured her that he could facilitate the visa process. During their meeting at his office in Nima, Accra, Tijani allegedly told Hajia Fati that he had two individuals set to travel soon and could include her sons in the arrangement – for a fee of $16,000.
Believing his claims, Hajia Fati paid the full amount, expecting the visas within a week. However, after repeated delays and excuses, she demanded a refund, which Tijani allegedly failed to provide.
After months of unfulfilled promises, Hajia Fati reported the case to the police on January 13, 2025.
Investigators tracked and arrested Tijani on January 27, 2025, at a hideout in Accra.
During interrogation, he allegedly admitted to the offense in his caution statement. He was subsequently charged and brought before the court.
