Ghanaian Arraigned Over Alleged N7.4m Scam

The defendant is facing two-count charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and dishonestly collecting funds. According to the FCID’s prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, the alleged offence took place on August 30, 2024, at Oaks Hotel, located at No. 5 Ogunyade Street, Gbagada, Lagos. Animashaun told the court that Agyei obtained N7,462,000 from the complainant, Asiogwu, under the guise of helping him procure a U.S. visa. After receiving the money, Agyei allegedly disappeared and severed all contact with the victim.

Agyei pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following his not guilty plea, Animashaun urged the court to remand the defendant in the Correctional Service, opposing an oral bail application by the defence on the grounds that the defendant, being a foreign national, posed a flight risk.

Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Ejiro Kubeinje granted Agyei bail in the sum of N1m, with two sureties in like sum. She ordered that the sureties must reside in Lagos, provide evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and show verifiable proof of means of livelihood. The magistrate further directed the prosecutor to verify all bail conditions before the defendant could be released and ordered Agyei to be remanded in custody pending full compliance.

The matter was adjourned to July 23, 2025, for mention. The case highlights the need for vigilance and caution when dealing with individuals who promise to secure visas or other services for a fee. It also underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of such claims and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.