An Accra Circuit Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a 27-year-old businessman, Lukeman Abdul-Karim, after he failed to appear in court to answer charges of defrauding a fellow businessman under the pretense of a foreign exchange transaction.
Presiding over the case, His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah granted the prosecution’s request for Abdul-Karim’s arrest when he was absent during proceedings. The case has since been adjourned to June 16, 2025.
According to Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, who is leading the prosecution, the complainant, Daniel Attah, is also a businessman based in Accra. He alleged that in January 2025, Abdul-Karim, claiming to operate a foreign exchange business, convinced him he could convert Ghana Cedis into the CFA franc.
Trusting Abdul-Karim’s assurances, Attah handed over GH¢149,000 in cash for the supposed currency exchange. However, after receiving the funds, Abdul-Karim allegedly failed to deliver the promised CFA francs and began giving excuses for the delay.
Sensing foul play, Attah reported the matter to the police on January 25, 2025. Abdul-Karim was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. During police investigations, he managed to refund only GH¢20,000, leaving a balance of GH¢129,000 unpaid.
Despite repeated assurances, Abdul-Karim failed to settle the remaining amount or appear in court as required, prompting the bench warrant for his immediate arrest.
