Comedian Koo Ofori to Spend Weekend in Police Custody Over Fraud Case

Suspect Koofori Being Escorted by Police to Custody

Koo Ofori, a popular Ghanaian actor and comedian, is in police custody. His real name is Samuel Seth Karikari. He was arrested on a bench warrant for missing court summons twice.

The 55-year-old actor was first summoned to court on April 17, 2025. This was related to a case of defrauding by false pretence. He did not appear in court as required. A second summons was issued for April 23, but he again failed to show up.

Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder requested a bench warrant for his arrest. The Circuit Court, led by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, granted this request. Koo Ofori was arrested today and brought before the court. However, the court was not in session at that time.

He will remain in police custody until Monday, May 12. On that day, the court will resume and formally read the charges against him.

Koo Ofori is accused of defrauding Dr. Emy Oduro-Burton, a U.S.-based medical practitioner. He allegedly took $50,000 (about GH¢309,000) from her under false pretenses regarding land purchase.

Court documents state this incident occurred in 2021 in Greater Accra Region. The prosecution claims Koo Ofori told Dr. Oduro-Burton he found land at Spintex-Acsta for sale at $50,000. He offered to buy it on her behalf.

Dr. Oduro-Burton transferred the money to his bank account. Investigations revealed he only used GH¢170,000 to buy half a plot from Kwaku Danso, the rightful owner.

When Dr. Oduro-Burton returned to Ghana to inspect the property, she noticed discrepancies and confronted him about it. After several failed attempts to get her money back, she filed a complaint with the police.

Koo Ofori was later arrested and reportedly admitted his wrongdoing during questioning. He is expected back in court on Monday to face formal charges and enter a plea.