Two individuals have been remanded into police custody by the Accra Circuit Court 6 over their alleged involvement in a GH¢2.5 million fraud targeting Bishop Joseph Osei Bonsu, a prominent clergyman.
The accused, Michael Arthur, 22, unemployed, and Martha Agblega, 25, a trader, are said to have acted in concert with other accomplices—identified only as Richard and Tanko, who are currently on the run—to carry out a sophisticated social media scam.
They have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and defrauding by false pretences, in violation of Sections 23(1) and 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
When the pair appeared before His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah on Thursday, August 7, 2025, no plea was taken. The court remanded them into custody, ordering that they reappear on August 20, 2025.
According to the prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, the accused were part of an online fraud syndicate operating mainly through Facebook. In 2023, Michael Arthur allegedly created a fake Facebook account under the name “Nana Ama,” posing as a woman to lure potential victims.
Using this profile, Arthur reportedly initiated communication with Bishop Osei Bonsu. Over time, Martha Agblega, posing as “Nana Ama” during voice calls, built a relationship with the Bishop and gained his trust.
The syndicate then allegedly deceived the Bishop into believing they could help him acquire an acre of land. Under this pretext, they persuaded him to transfer a total of GH¢2.5 million.
DSP Nyamekye told the court that the accused persons and their accomplices knowingly made false representations to facilitate the scam, with no intention of delivering the promised land.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Arthur and Agblega on July 31, 2025, at their hideout in Breman Asikuma, in the Central Region. Investigators say portions of the stolen money were used to purchase vehicles and other personal assets.
The matter is still under active investigation as authorities continue to pursue the other members of the syndicate.
The court is expected to resume hearing on August 20, 2025.