Court remands 28-year-old man over alleged $37,000 theft

A 28-year-old man who reportedly stole $37,000 intended to start a block factory has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court.

The offense has been rejected by Michael Okai Afoakwa.

On September 25, 2023, he will be brought back before the Court, which is presided over by Mrs. Kizita.

The accused was an unemployed nephew of Madam Akosua Poku, the complainant, who lived in the United States of America, according to Police Inspector Bobie Ansah Da-Costa, who testified before the court.

He said that at one time, the complainant contributed US$37,000 to create a block factory where Okai resided in Nungua.

After receiving the money, Okai allegedly declined to use it for its intended purposes and instead kept it for his own use.

According to Inspector Ansah, Okai provided images of an unidentified block factory to the complainant abroad to show that he had utilized the money for the stated purpose.

After Okai was discovered, a formal complaint was made to the police, and on September 1st, 2023, he was taken into custody.

In requesting bail, the accused’s attorney, Mr. Samuel Kyei Asante, stated that Okai had never been afoul of the law, that he was the family’s sole provider, and that he would be prepared to face trial if released on bond.

He said that his client was a certified teacher who was waiting to be hired and that his client had a business that was operating but was kept under lock and key by the police.

According to Mr. Asante, Okai reminded the court that the issue is a family matter and ought to be handled delicately.

He said that Okai had a fixed address, had capable witnesses to serve as sureties, and most importantly, that he had worked with police since his detention and would not tamper with evidence.