A 49-year-old trader, Seidu Issaka, has been remanded into custody by the Circuit Court in Accra after he was charged with defrauding an entrepreneur of GH¢130,000 under the guise of securing a visa to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The case was heard by Her Honour Susana Eduful, with Chief Inspector Emmanuel Teye Okuffo leading the prosecution. Issaka pleaded guilty with explanation to a charge of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Issaka faces one count of defrauding by false pretence—a serious criminal offence that carries stiff penalties under Ghanaian law.
According to the prosecution, the complainant, Rabbi Dauda, an entrepreneur based in Achimota, sought to obtain a Saudi Arabian visa for her mother, Mariama Seidu, to enable her to perform the Hajj.
On May 25, 2025, while Dauda was discussing her plans with relatives at the Hajj Village near the Kotoka International Airport, Issaka allegedly intervened in the conversation.
Posing as someone with access to a trusted travel agent, the accused claimed he could assist with the visa application process. He reportedly convinced the complainant to pay GH¢130,000 to facilitate the arrangement.
After receiving the money, Issaka is said to have failed to produce the visa or provide any credible update on the process.
Following several failed attempts to retrieve the money or secure the visa, Dauda lodged a formal complaint with the police, prompting Issaka’s arrest.
During police interrogation, the accused admitted to receiving the funds but claimed that he passed the money to a cousin whom he alleged works with Ghana’s National Security.
So far, only GH¢28,000 of the total amount has been recovered, with no concrete evidence provided regarding the cousin’s involvement or the whereabouts of the remaining funds.
The presiding judge ordered that Issaka be held in custody while investigations continue.
The case has been adjourned to June 23, 2025.
