Achimota car dealer in court over alleged fraud

Businessman Francis Asumda, aged 34, has been charged with defrauding by false pretences in a case currently being heard before the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah.

Francis Asumda is alleged to have swindled an Architect, Irke Onyika, of a sum totaling GH¢64,000 and US$3,000 under the pretext of purchasing a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer from the United States for him.

The incident dates back to March 30, 2023 when Onyika, a resident of Taifa, Accra, approached Asumda, who operates as a car dealer in Achimota, with the intention of buying the vehicle.

According to court documents, Asumda quoted a price of US$8,700 for the 2020 Chevy Blazer. Onyika provided his Chevrolet Spark, valued at GH¢35,000 as part of the transaction and further paid GH¢29,000 and $3,000 in cash to the accused. A receipt was issued for these payments.

Despite promising to deliver the vehicle within three months, Asumda failed to meet the deadline.

Onyika’s repeated efforts to either secure the vehicle or obtain a refund proved unsuccessful. Following a complaint to the police, Asumda was arrested and admitted during interrogation that he had forwarded the money to his agent in the United States, but had lost communication with the agent.

Asumda pleaded with the police for more time to refund the money, eventually paying GH¢32,000 which was handed over to the complainant.

However, the full amount has not been refunded, leading to the current charges.

Asumda was granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified, following his plea of not guilty.

The court has adjourned the case to October 21, 2024 for further hearing.

The charges are being brought under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

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