Ho, April 4, GNA - Rejoice Havor, 38, a blind woman on Wednesday appeared before a Ho Circuit Court for allegedly kidnapping and selling a 21-year-old neighbour Miss Faustina Acquaye, for 40,000 CFA. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of 10 million cedis with one surety until April 26.

Police Inspector Emmanuel Okudjeto told the Court presided by Mr Emmanuel Siameh that Rejoice and Miss Acquaye, a trader, lived in the same area at Agortime-Kpetoe in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District. He said about five years ago, Rejoice connived with her boyfriend Godwin Nunoamesi, now in police custody, to convince Miss Acquaye of a job opportunity in Benin which she could take advantage of. Inspector Okudjeto said taken in by the promise, Miss Acquaye embarked on the journey to Benin with Rejoice and her boyfriend Nunoamesi unknown to her family.

He said on reaching the Aflao border, Nunoamesi introduced a man to the victim as her prospective employer in Benin and after the introduction varnished together with Rejoice.

Inspector Okudjeto said the supposed employer later informed Miss Acquaye that she had been sold her to him for 40,000 CFA for rituals but he preferred her as a wife.

He said this led to an argument between the two but Miss Acquaye subsequently accompanied the man to Benin.

Inspector Okudjeto said four years later, a businesswoman from Miss Acquaye's hometown went on a business trip to Benin where she met her. Miss Acquaye asked the woman to inform her family and the police about her situation so that they could come to her rescue. Some of Miss Acquaye's family members travelled to Benin with the help of the police and met Miss Acquaye with the man with whom she had some children.

Inspector Okudjeto said Rejoice escaped during investigations but was later arrested after the boyfriend had been apprehended.