Tabloid News of Friday, 30 January 2004

Source: GNA

Fake convert granted bail of 80 million cedis

Accra, Jan 30, GNA - Aminu Iddrisu, a Businessman at South Odokor, who claimed to have converted from Islam to Christianity and managed to defraud two persons of the sums of 3,000 pounds; 3,000 dollars and 6.2 million cedis was on Thursday granted 80 million cedis bail by an Accra Circuit Court.

Iddrisu, who pleaded guilty to defrauding by false pretences, was granted the bail with two sureties. The Court presided over Mrs Elizabeth Ankumah ordered the accused to re-appear on February 18. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector George Abavelim told the Court that Iddrisu approached an Elder of the Pentecost Church at Odorkor and told him that he had converted from Islam to Christianity and was accepted into the church.

Chief Inspector Abavelim said the Iddrisu later introduced himself as a staff of Parliament to the Elder and was in the position to help any church member to secure travelling documents. He said Ms Priscilla Nettey, a Student and Mr Alfred Adu-Amankwah, a Mason, both members of the church, was subsequently introduced to the accused.

The Prosecutor said Iddrisu collected 3,000 pounds, 1,500 dollars and 6.2 million cedis from Ms Nettey and 1,500 dollars from Mr Adu-Amankwah to secure them UK and US visas, respectively.

Chief Inspector Abavelim said the accused failed to honour his promise and a report was made to the police and Iddrisu was arrested. He said the Iddrisu admitted the offence in his Police caution statement.