Clinical Psychologist In Court Over Alleged $70k Forex Fraud

Dansoman Circuit Court Update

A 31-year-old clinical psychologist and a 46-year-old driver face court. They are accused of conspiring to defraud a forex trader of $70,000. This was done under the pretense of exchanging it for cedis.

The accused are Abdul Munaf Lawal, known as “Doctor,” and Johnson Owusu Ansah. Both have pleaded not guilty to stealing and abetment of crime. These charges violate Sections 124(1) and 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit is presiding over the case. The next court date is set for May 12, 2025.

Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder presented the case details in court. He explained that Hamza Fuseini, a forex trader in Accra, was contacted on April 8. A colleague asked him to help exchange $60,000 for cedis on behalf of Munaf.

Munaf was in Kumasi at that time. He arranged a trip to Accra using a rented Toyota Land Cruiser driven by Ansah. A third accomplice joined them but is currently at large.

Upon arriving in Accra, Munaf allegedly increased the amount to $70,000. He scheduled the exchange at an Ecobank branch on the University of Ghana campus. After securing additional funds, Fuseini handed over the full amount to intermediaries meeting Munaf at the bank.

After receiving the cash, Munaf claimed he needed to verify it inside the bank. He then disappeared with the money.

Before this incident, Munaf had reported to Legon Police about being defrauded previously. The prosecutor argues this was a distraction from his own actions.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Munaf missing but detained Ansah and intermediaries involved in the transaction. Ansah was taken to the station but later fled with his vehicle after reuniting with his accomplice.

Police investigations led to their arrest later on. A search at Munaf’s home uncovered $10,000 and GH¢20,000 in cash.

Munaf's lawyer requested bail due to medical reasons. He stated that Munaf has a stable job and residence and would not interfere with investigations.

Ansah also sought bail citing his cooperation with police and stable family life in Kumasi where he works for a vehicle rental service involved in this case.

However, prosecutors opposed bail due to ongoing investigations and flight risks posed by both men. They noted that both lack fixed residences in Accra.

Her Honour Abdul-Baasit acknowledged that both accused have been in custody for over a week. However, she ruled against bail due to the significant amount involved and pending arrests of accomplices.

Both accused were remanded into police custody until further notice.