Jobless man granted GH¢100,000 bail over alleged land fraud

An unemployed man has been brought before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a businessman of a parcel of land worth GH¢170,000.

Davis Nii Odai Afotey has been charged with conspiracy and engaging in a fraudulent land transaction. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His alleged accomplices, identified as Elvis Okley and Nii Bortey, also known as Azoor, are currently on the run.

Presiding over the case, Judge Samuel Bright Acquah granted Afotey bail set at GH¢100,000, requiring three sureties, one of whom must provide proof of justification. Additionally, the court instructed him to report to the police weekly.

The case has been adjourned to February 25, 2025.

Background of the Case

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Daniel Danku, the complainant resides in Adentan, while Afotey lives in Nungua Nautical, Accra.

In January 2023, the complainant became interested in a plot of land situated at East Legon Hills. After making inquiries, he was introduced to Afotey, who claimed to be the rightful owner.

Both parties agreed on a purchase price of GH¢170,000, and the complainant made an initial payment of GH¢110,000. Afotey assured him that he would provide the necessary land documents.

Subsequently, Afotey handed over a site plan to the complainant, who conducted a search at the Lands Commission. However, the search revealed that the site plan had no connection to the land in question.

When confronted, Afotey explained that his elder brother had already sold the land to someone else. To compensate the complainant, he introduced him to two other individuals—his supposed uncles—who claimed to be the custodians of an alternative plot.

The complainant was then taken to Kpone Katamanso, where he paid an additional GH¢26,000 for documentation and other formalities to develop the land.

However, upon visiting the location, he discovered that the land had already been sold to another buyer and did not belong to Afotey’s alleged uncles.

After multiple failed attempts to reach the two accomplices, the complainant reported the matter to the police. Afotey was later apprehended at his hideout in Nungua.

During interrogation, he admitted his involvement and named the two fugitives as his accomplices.

The investigation continues as authorities work to track down the other suspects.