This case involves George Adu-Twum, a 46-year-old businessman accused of defrauding a police officer of GHC72,000 under the pretense of securing two auctioned vehicles. The alleged incident occurred in 2021, and Adu-Twum has pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretences. The court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, has granted him bail in the sum of GHC75,000 with two sureties, adjourning the case to April 7, 2025. The judge also instructed the prosecution to adhere to all disclosure regulations.
The complainant, a police officer whose identity remains withheld for privacy reasons, resides in Weija SCC, Accra. He sought to acquire a Toyota Hilux pickup and a Hyundai i30 salon car for his relatives. Through a mutual friend, he was introduced to Adu-Twum, who presented himself as a businessman also residing in Weija Gbawe, Accra. The initial meeting took place in Abelemkpe, where Adu-Twum allegedly pointed out a Toyota Hilux and a Hyundai i30, claiming they were up for auction. He stressed the urgency of payment, stating that other interested parties were vying for the vehicles.
Negotiations ensued, resulting in an agreed sum of GHC72,000. The payment was made in two installments: GHC40,000 at Adu-Twum’s office in Abelemkpe and the remaining GHC32,000 at the complainant’s office located within the Ministries area. Adu-Twum assured the complainant that the vehicles would be ready within a week. However, after receiving the full payment, Adu-Twum disappeared, effectively severing communication and failing to deliver the promised vehicles.
The police officer, realizing he had been scammed, reported the incident to the authorities. A search for Adu-Twum ensued, culminating in his arrest on January 15, 2025, nearly four years after the alleged fraud took place. During the investigation, Adu-Twum refunded GHC25,000 of the GHC72,000 he had taken from the complainant, leaving an outstanding balance of GHC47,000. The prosecution presented these facts before the court, highlighting the sequence of events that led to the charges against Adu-Twum.
The case now awaits the next hearing scheduled for April 7, 2025. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori-Appiah, has been directed by the court to ensure full compliance with disclosure procedures. This implies providing the defense with all relevant evidence gathered during the investigation. The defense will then have the opportunity to review this evidence and prepare their case accordingly. The court proceedings will determine whether Adu-Twum is guilty of the charges brought against him.
This case highlights the vulnerability of individuals seeking to purchase vehicles, particularly through less formal channels like auctions. It underscores the importance of exercising due diligence and verifying the legitimacy of sellers and their claims. The significant time lapse between the alleged crime and the arrest of the accused adds another layer of complexity to the case. The court will need to carefully consider all the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense to arrive at a just verdict. The outcome of this case will significantly impact both the complainant seeking justice and the accused facing serious allegations.
