Trader in court over GH¢130K Haji fare fraud

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Susana Eduful, has remanded 49-year-old trader, Seidu Issaka into custody for allegedly defrauding an Entrepreneur of GH¢130,000 under the pretext of securing a Saudi Arabian visa for Hajj pilgrimage.

Seidu Issaka pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Chief Inspector Emmanuel Teye Okuffo led the prosecution.

According to the facts presented in court, the complainant, Rabbi Dauda, an Entrepreneur residing at Achimota, was seeking a Saudi visa for her mother, Mariama Seidu, to travel to Mecca.

On May 25, 2025 during a discussion with her family at Hajj Village, Airport (Greater Accra Region), the accused overheard the conversation and claimed he knew a reliable agent who could help facilitate the process.

He persuaded Dauda to pay him GH¢130,000.00 to secure the visa, but failed to deliver. A report was subsequently made to the police, leading to Issaka’s arrest.

During interrogation, Issaka admitted receiving the money, but claimed he handed it over to his cousin, who he alleged works with National Security.

So far, only GH¢28,000 of the amount has been refunded.

Despite his explanation, the court found grounds to remand the accused into custody. The case has been adjourned to June 23, 2025 at 9:30 am.

Issaka faces a charge of defrauding by false pretence, a serious offence under Ghanaian law that carries significant penalties upon conviction.

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