Trader Remanded for Faking Robbery After Allegedly Stealing US$60,000

Two Traders Remanded for Alleged Theft

Two traders, Mustapha Mohammed and Dauda Mohammed, face serious charges. They are accused of stealing US$60,000 entrusted to them for business. The case was heard at the Dansoman Circuit Court.

During the court session on June 4, 2025, both men pleaded not guilty. They face charges of stealing, abetment of crime, and deceiving a public officer. Judge Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit ordered their remand in police custody.

The case is adjourned until June 16, 2025. Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye presented the prosecution's case. He explained that on May 22, 2025, Hassan Muntari gave Mustapha US$60,000 to deliver to a contractor in Achimota.

Muntari expected the money back in Ghana cedis (GH¢720,000). Mustapha claimed the contractor needed funds urgently. However, after receiving the money at Okaishie, he did not return as promised.

Muntari tried repeatedly to contact him but failed. Later, Mustapha claimed he had been robbed by four men on motorbikes. He said he was receiving treatment at Achimota Hospital.

When questioned by police at Achimota School Police Station, Mustapha alleged the robbery happened around 6:30 p.m. However, investigations revealed inconsistencies in his story. An itemized phone bill showed he was not at Achimota as claimed.

Nearby hawkers also denied witnessing any robbery. Further investigation led to Dauda's arrest. He confessed to involving Mustapha in the scheme.

Dauda claimed he needed money to clear goods at Tema Harbour. He promised to return it with interest after selling those items. Instead of returning the money, Dauda and an accomplice took it to a spiritualist known as "Mallam."

They believed Mallam could "double" their cash but disappeared with it instead. After realizing they were duped, Dauda advised Mustapha to fake a robbery.

Mustapha then injured himself and went to the hospital before filing a false police report. Now Mustapha faces three charges: stealing under Section 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act; abetment of crime; and deceiving a public officer under Section 251 of the same Act.

Dauda is charged only with abetment of crime. The police continue their investigations and seek Zakaru Musah and Mallam who remain at large.