A self-imposed businessman, who allegedly collected GHc2,500.00 worth of diamond from four dealers at Akim Wenchi and later went into hiding, has appeared before a circuit court at Akim Swedru.

Kwadwo Mensah was charged with defrauding by false pretence, but denied having knowledge of the offence and the court granted him GHc3,000.00 bail with a surety to reappear on March 7.

Police Inspector Wilberforce Kwaku Appiah told the court presided over by Mr. Yaw Atta Sampong that sometime in August last year Mensah, who lives at Akim Oda, went to Akim Wenchi and introduced himself to the complainants, Mr. Kwame Oware and three others as a wealthy businessman looking for diamond to buy.

According to Inspector Appiah, Mensah negotiated with the four complainants, who mobilized diamond valued at GHc2,500.00 for Mensah, but he told them to allow him to pay the following day, which they obliged.

Inspector Appiah stated that Mensah did not show up as agreed upon. The complainants on February 12, 2012 made a report to the Police for his arrest and he was released on Police enquiry bail to report periodically but failed to do so and went into hiding.

He said on February 25 this year, the surety for Mensah, who was asked to produce him, led the Police to Kade in the Kwaebibirem District to arrest him.