A Kumasi based businessman, Mamud Sule, is alleged to have orchestrated a scheme using the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) as a front to defraud his friend, Oscar Abdul Mumin, of thousands of dollars.
The proceedings, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Comfort Kwasior Tasiame, revealed an alleged betrayal that has left the complainant, a U.S.-based cab driver, shocked and pursuing justice.
Mamud Sule, along with another businessman, Hani Tikass (also known as Alhaji Kassel or Tanko), face charges of fraudulent breach of trust, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.
Both Sule and Tikass have pleaded not guilty. They were granted bail of GH¢2 million each, with conditions requiring two sureties (one justified with a landed property document within the jurisdiction), submission of identification cards and digital addresses, weekly reporting to the police and surrendering of travel documents to the court registry.
According to the prosecution, led by Winifred Sarpong, Sule and Mumin met in the US years ago and became friends, before Sule returned to Ghana thirteen years later.
Mumin, who was working on projects in Ghana with his young brother, Jamal Mohammed’s assistance, entrusted Sule with the management of the projects.
For easier oversight, Mumin and Sule opened a joint account at Prudential Bank at Aboabo branch, Kumasi with funds designated for the projects.
On June 10, 2021 Sule allegedly called Jamal, claiming he had been arrested in Kumasi and taken to EOCO’s Accra headquarters on money laundering charges.
He directed Jamal to contact Habib Mutawakil, who then referred Jamal to Tikass.
The prosecution stated that Tikass met Jamal at EOCO’s premises and falsely claimed that EOCO officials demanded US$60,000 for Sule’s bail.
After securing US$30,000 through another individual, Mubarak, the money was handed over to Tikass, who then assured Jamal the following day that Sule had been released.
However, Mumin soon suspected foul play. Upon checking the joint account, it emerged that US$245,500 had been withdrawn without Mumin or Jamal’s knowledge.
Upon realising the alleged deception, Mumin reported the incident, prompting an investigation that led to Sule and Tikass’s arrests.
Investigators discovered that no EOCO officials were involved in the alleged arrest and that the entire affair had been fabricated to siphon funds from Mumin.
Following the investigation, Sule and Tikass were arraigned and charged with fraud-related offenses. The case has been adjourned to December 12, 2024, for further proceedings.
Source: The Chronicle
