Asamankese (E/R), Sept 24, GNA - An Akwatia fuel dealer, Alhassan Idrissu, wanting to increase his fortunes and ward off evil spirits, contracted his brother-in-law, Mallam Ibrahim, a Kumasi-based spiritualist and herbalist for help.

When Mallam Ibrahim later arrived at Akwatia to perform the act, Alhassan presented him with 51 million cedis to perform the rituals to increase his fortune but the Mallam bolted with the money. Mallam Ibrahim was arrested and put before the Asamankese Circuit Court on Thursday and charged with stealing. He pleaded not guilty. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Eric Okyere said in June, while on a visit to his sister, Ibrahim introduced himself to Alhassan as a spiritualist who had made numerous people wealthy and he could help Alhassan to prosper.

Ibrahim convinced Alhassan to produce all his capital for him to bless as the first step for the multiplication of his fortunes. He also asked for and received two rams and bottles of perfume to perform rituals.

Alhassan included the 51 million cedis that Ibrahim said he would pray over for seven days before Alhassan could use it to order fuel from Tema.

The prosecutor said before the seventh day, Ibrahim left the house with the money and a report was made to the police. Ibrahim was traced to Kumasi and arrested.

Counsel for Malam Ibrahim, Mr Oppong Kwao, told the court that Alhassan owed a lot of people and needed spiritual help so that his debtors would forget about the debts and stop harassing him. Alhassan gave the Mallam a list of the debtors and 15 million cedis - five million cedis to buy "ingredients" for rituals and 10 million cedis as a professional.

Mr Kwao said as a result of the rituals performed, none of the debtors had called on Alhassan.

He said unfortunately, Alhassan forgot to include on the list one debtor who, as a result, went to demand his money after Mallam Ibrahim had finished his task and left for Kumasi. Mr Kwao said Mallam Ibrahim was a noted spiritualist who had practiced without any problem for over 30 years. Mallam Ibrahim was remanded to re-appear on September 26.