Simon Asare Adjei, also known as Ntakra, a musician, has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a Polish lady, Elizbieta Gruszka, to the tune of GH¢15,000.

He reportedly collected the money under the pretext of using it to send a parcel to a friend in Poland, Carven Kiley, who would in turn refund the money to the complainant later. Ntakra, who pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences, was remanded into custody on the orders of the trial judge, Edem Korcuvie-Tay, who gave the musician five days to pay the said amount.

Not even pleas by Rtd. Captain Nkrabea Effah-Dartey, counsel for the accused person, that five days was too short a time for the refund, could move the judge, who said her decision was final. She had the case adjourned to October 18, 2011.

Presenting the facts of the case, the prosecuting officer, ASP A.A. Annor, told the court that the complainant was a citizen of Poland while the accused person was a musician who lives at Taifa Norway. According to him, through the internet, Ntakra struck up an acquaintance with the lady in 2010 and subsequently alleged that there was a parcel to be given to one Carven Kiley in Poland.

The accused person told the lady that he needed some money to facilitate the transportation of the parcel and that upon arrival, the said Kiley would reimburse her.

Based on that, the complainant sent him 30,000 Polish Zolty on November 8, 2010 through Western Union Money Transfer. The prosecutor said all withdrawals were made through the Ga Rural Bank Western Union, and after waiting in vain for the reimbursement, the Polish lady finally reported the matter to the prosecutor’s office in Warsaw-Praga.

The case was later reported to the Bureau of National Investigations and the accused person was subsequently arrested. The prosecutor stated that Ntakra admitted the offence in his caution statement and pleaded for time to refund the amount.

He was charged after police had concluded investigations. Mr. Effah Dartey prayed for bail for the accused person, saying that if granted bail Ntakra would refund the money.

He also added that the Polish offered to sponsor the accused person but suddenly rescinded the offer. Mrs. Kocuvie-Tay said the musician had only five days within which to pay the GH¢15,000, and had the case adjourned.d