By Gifty Amofa, GNA
Accra, March 31, GNA – Four persons accused of engaging in online fraud to acquire three vehicles have appeared before the Accra Circuit Court One.
Brorien Onojemete, 30; Kenneth Okiti Ochuko, 33; Prince Odion Obomagha, 34; and Frank Bakpa, 25, face charges of conspiracy, preparation to commit crime, attempt to commit crime, and prohibition of trafficking.
In addition, Onojemete, Obomagha and Bakpa have been charged with money laundering for allegedly acquiring an unregistered Toyota C‑HR valued at GH₵300,000, a Mercedes Benz GLK 350 valued at GH₵350,000, and a Honda CRV valued at GH₵400,000 through fraudulent means.
The court declined bail and ordered the accused to reappear on April 8, 2026.
Their pleas were not taken as investigations are ongoing.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Issah Achiburi, prosecuting, told the court that the complainants are security personnel from the Tema Regional Police Intelligence Directorate and the Cybercrime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.
ASP Achiburi said the accused, all Nigerians residing at Afienya, Tema, were arrested on March 18, 2026, during an intelligence‑led operation at Emef Estates.
Sixteen suspects were apprehended in an apartment while operating laptops and smartphones.
Police retrieved 17 laptops, two iPads, 22 smartphones, an internet router, and three vehicles.
Preliminary investigations identified Onojemete, Ochuko, Obomagha and Bakpa as ringleaders who trafficked 12 victims to Ghana and exploited them for online scams, including romance fraud.
The accused admitted in caution statements to engaging in internet fraud and residing in Ghana without permits.
Digital devices seized are to be examined at the Digital Forensic Laboratory to aid investigations.
Defence counsel prayed for bail, arguing that the accused had fixed places of abode, had been detained beyond the constitutional 48‑hour limit, and would not abscond since their devices were confiscated.
The prosecution opposed bail, describing the accused as flight risks with no reliable Ghanaian ties.
ASP Achiburi noted they lived in rented apartments, could relocate at any time, and might abscond given the seriousness of the offences.
The case has been adjourned to April 8, 2026, for further proceedings.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey