A businessman, who allegedly took GH¢200,000 from a barber under the pretext of securing him land, but failed, has been granted bail by the Accra Circuit Court.
Mr Emmanuel Nii Anyankor, 56, who was charged with defraud by false pretence, and fraudulent transaction of land, pleaded not guilty.
The court presided over by Mr Joojo Amoah Hagan granted GH¢200,000 bail with two sureties to accused.
The court directed that one of the sureties be justified with landed to July 27, 2023.
Police Chief Inspector Samuel Ahiabor, prosecuting, said that the complainant, Mr Samuel Kukubor, who resides at Teshie, Accra, was a barber, while accused was a resident of Teshie, in the city.
The prosecution said in February last year, the complainant, whilst in search of a land to buy, Chief Joshua MC Adjei was introduced to accused as someone who had a plot of land for sale.
Chief Insp Ahiabor said the accused led the complainant to Teshie Okpoi Gonno and showed him land he intended to sell.
The court heard that the complainant negotiated with accused and agreed to pay GH¢270,000 for the land.
Chief Insp Ahiabor said on March 17, 2022, accused obtained from the complainant GH¢200,000 as part-payment and promised to acquire indenture for the complainant upon receipt of the remaining GH¢70,000.
The prosecution said complainant was prevented from developing the land by some people, who claimed the land did not belong to accused.
Chief Insp Ahiabor said the complainant informed accused about the issue, but he (accused) did not take action to recover the land.
The prosecution said a report was made to the police and accused was arrested and, in his caution, statement admitted the offence.
Chief Insp Ahiabor said investigations revealed that Nicholas Amartey Laryea of Teshie, also claimed ownership to the land. – —GNA
