Nana Kwadwo Ofosu Ayeh, a businessman, was on Friday arraigned at an Accra Circuit tribunal for allegedly defrauding a student of 17.48 million cedis under the pretext of securing her with travelling documents to enable her travel to United State of America. Ayeh, who pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences, was granted bail in the sum of 20 million cedis with a surety, to re-appear on July 18.

Police Chief Inspector Emmanuel Amegah told the tribunal chaired by Mr Imoru Ziblim that, in January this year, complainant, Ms. Cynthia Smith, who lives at Cape Coast in the Central Region, had an invitation from a relative to travel to the USA.

The complainant then consulted two of her friends, who advised that the accused could assist. Chief Inspector Amegah said the accused charged 17.48 million cedis for the processing of the documents, which the complainant and her friend paid.

The tribunal was told that the accused promised to produce the document within three weeks, but failed to do so. The Prosecutor said when all efforts by the complainant to get either the visa or her money proved futile, she reported the matter to the Police and accused was arrested.