The Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to 35-year-old footballer Samuel Inkoom, who is facing two charges of defrauding by false pretences.
The court presided over by Her Honour Susan Eduful set bail at GH¢100,000, with two sureties earning a minimum of GH¢5,000 each.
Additionally, Inkoom was ordered to deposit his passport at the court registry until the conclusion of the trial.
The case, which has been adjourned to January 27, 2025, involves allegations that Inkoom fraudulently obtained a total of $6,000 from two complainants under the pretext of securing U.S. visas for them.
On the first count, prosecutors allege that in December 2023, Inkoom promised to obtain a U.S. visa for Elizabeth Atarime Mboh Awuni’s client in exchange for $4,000. Awuni, an entrepreneur based in Oyarifa, Accra, reportedly paid the sum, but the promise was not fulfilled.
The second count involves Abigail Owusu, a public servant also from Oyarifa, who claims Inkoom defrauded her of $2,000 under similar pretenses.
He allegedly assured her the visa would be ready within six to eight weeks but later went into hiding.
The court will resume proceedings next year, as both charges are being investigated further.
Brief Facts
According to the prosecution, Awuni met Inkoom at Achimota while the latter was scouting for football talents.
During their conversation, Inkoom claimed he was involved in travel and tour services, including visa acquisition. Convinced by his assurances, Awuni paid him $4,000 to secure a U.S. visa for her client.
Similarly, Owusu, who later met Inkoom, also paid $2,000 for the same service.
When the promised timelines elapsed without results, both complainants reported the matter to the police.
Police investigations revealed that Inkoom had no partner in the U.S. to facilitate the visa acquisition process, as he claimed.
Instead, the prosecution alleged that he fabricated the story to swindle the complainants.
During his arrest, police retrieved $2,000 from Inkoom, which was returned to Awuni.
However, the remaining amount remain unaccounted for.
Inkoom admitted collecting the money but failed to provide evidence to support his claims of engaging a US-based partner.
Bail Conditions
Judge Susan Eduful emphasised the importance of ensuring Inkoom’s presence in court throughout the trial.
The stringent bail conditions, including the deposit of his passport, reflect the court’s intent to prevent him from fleeing the country.
The trial will resume on January 27, 2025 as the prosecution builds its case against Inkoom.
If found guilty he could face significant penalties under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offenses Act, Act 29/60.
