A 66-year-old trader who allegedly collected GH¢32,200.00 from three persons under the pretext of securing UK visas to enable them travel abroad but failed, has appeared before the Accra Circuit Court.
Esther Kai Lomotey who has been charged with three counts of defrauding by false pretences, pleaded guilty with explanation.
She told the court presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah that she gave all the money she collected from the complainants to a “connection” man who promised to provide the travelling documents, but failed.
The accused explained that she sent the complainants to the “connection” man when he failed to provide the documents as he promised.
Following that, the court entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Esther and admitted her to bail of GH¢80,000.00 with two sureties one of whom must be a public servant.
The accused is expected to appear again on March 3.
Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fuseini Yakubu said the complainants are Emmanuel Kwabena Yeboah, a businessman, Kwadwo Owusu and Emmanuel Adjei, both traders.
ASP Yakubu said Yeboah and Owusu are residents of Lashibi, while Agyei resides at Buokrom, near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
Prosecution said the accused, a resident of New Legon, deals in clothes at Makola with one Kwasi Amanor, a witness in the case.
The prosecution said in the month of August 2019, Esther discussed with Amanor that she could facilitate visa acquisition to enable prospective applicants travel abroad.
The prosecution said based on that, Amanor introduced the complainants to the accused.
Prosecution said, Esther demanded and collected cash the sum of GH¢32,200.00 from the complainants in the presence of Amanor and promised to procure UK visas for them.
ASP Yakubu said, Esther after collecting the money went into hiding and failed to deliver on her promise.
The prosecution said a report was made to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters and the accused was arrested.
ASP Yakubu told the court that the accused admitted the offence in her cautioned statement and said she had given GH¢28,000.00 to one Anderson whom she claimed could procure the visas for the three.
GNA
