Crime & Punishment of Friday, 12 August 2011

Source: GNA

Woman remanded for swindling doctor and five others

Kumasi, Aug 12, GNA - The KMA Circuit Court in Kumasi remanded into prison custody, a 48-year woman, who used the names of some high profile persons to swindle a medical officer and other people.

Perpetual Adu, used the names of former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Alex Segbefia, to dupe a medical officer at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and five others of GH¢45,550.00.

Adu, who is facing a charge of defrauding by false pretences, denied the offence and would re-appear at court on Friday, August 26.

Police Detective Chief Inspector Martin Assenso told the court presided over by Justice William Boampong that all the complainants live in Kumasi.

They are Dr Andrew Panin Vormawor of KATH, George Kwame Amoah, Doris Siaw, Samuel Nutakor, Andrew Opoku and Anna Afreh.

Chief Insp. Assenso said the accused between June and October last year, introduced herself to the victims as a personal assistant to the former First Lady and has close working relations with the Deputy Chief of Staff.

The prosecution said Adu convinced the complainants that she could by her association with the two high profile personalities assist them to buy some cars that were being auctioned at the Osu castle.

Chief Insp. Assenso said the victims became interested in the deal and paid various amounts of money, ranging from GH¢1,000.00 to GH¢22,000.00 to Adu.

The prosecution said after collecting the money, Adu failed to deliver on her promise and kept asking them to give her time with the excuse that Mr Segbefia was delaying the process.

Chief Insp. Assenso said when the complainants realized that the accused was not connected to the seat of government as she claimed they demanded a refund of the money.

The prosecution said Adu went into hiding and a formal report was made to the police, who succeeded in arresting Adu.

She admitted the crime in her caution statement.