A 62-year-old woman, Nana Ama Nwarueze, popularly known as “Ohemaa,” has been remanded once again by the Adabraka District Court for allegedly defrauding another businesswoman of $13,000 under false pretences.
The presiding judge, Her Worship Abena Asoh Owusu-Omenyo, denied a bail application filed by Nwarueze’s legal team, stating that the court was not convinced the accused would make herself available to stand trial if released.
The court further ordered a thorough background investigation into the accused after prosecutors revealed she had no fixed place of abode.
Nwarueze, who faces one count of defrauding by false pretence, is said to have posed as a wealthy entrepreneur with properties including the so-called “Ohemaa Plaza” at East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a plush residence in the Airport Residential Area. She also claimed to own over ten shipping containers filled with goods at the Tema port.
According to Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, the accused used these claims to gain the trust of the complainant, Dorothy Asare, who was introduced to her through a mutual friend. Nwarueze allegedly told Asare that she needed $5,000 to clear goods from the port, promising to repay the amount within three weeks.
When Asare hesitated, the accused allegedly reinforced her credibility by claiming to be in partnership with real estate giant Devtraco. She even showed the complainant an ongoing apartment project she claimed to own and promised that profits from leasing out the units would cover the debt.
Convinced by the narrative, the complainant reportedly handed over the $5,000 at the accused’s supposed home at Airport Residential Area. A month later, Nwarueze requested an additional $8,000 to resolve a new “port issue,” again promising a swift refund.
However, when Asare tried to retrieve the full $13,000, the accused allegedly made a series of excuses and eventually became unreachable. Investigations later revealed that the Airport property did not belong to Nwarueze, nor was she involved in any partnership with Devtraco.
Police further disclosed that the accused had vacated the Airport residence without leaving any trace. She was only arrested in December 2024 after a bench warrant was issued following multiple failed attempts to locate her.
Nwarueze has pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the case has been adjourned for further proceedings.
