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Former Ghana Black Stars player Samuel Inkoom has been granted bail of GHC100,000 with two sureties by an Accra court following allegations of visa fraud.
The court, presided over by Mrs. Susana Eduful, stipulated that each surety must have a minimum monthly income of GHC5,000.
Additionally, Inkoom has been directed to provide a passport-sized photograph to the court registry.
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The footballer is accused of defrauding one Madam Elizabeth Atarime Mboh Awuni of $4,000 under the pretext of obtaining a United States visa for her client.
Inkoom has denied the allegations and is scheduled to reappear in court on January 22, 2025.
Background
Police Chief Inspector Tetteh Boafo presented the case, explaining that the complainants, Madam Awuni, an entrepreneur, and Madam Abigail Owusu, a public servant, reside in Oyarifa, Accra. Inkoom resides in Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region.
In December 2023, Madam Awuni met Inkoom at Achimota while scouting young footballers. During their conversation, Inkoom allegedly claimed to work in the travel and tour industry, boasting that he could secure United States and Canadian visas within six weeks for $4,000.
Convinced by his assurances, Madam Awuni paid $4,000 for her client’s visa. Separately, Madam Owusu, persuaded by Inkoom’s claims, paid $2,000 for the same service.
Allegations of Fraud
Inkoom allegedly failed to deliver the promised visas within the stipulated six-to-eight-week period and subsequently went into hiding. Suspicious of foul play, the complainants reported the matter to the police.
When questioned, Inkoom admitted to receiving the money but claimed he had forwarded it to a partner in the United States to facilitate the visa process.
However, he failed to provide evidence of this partnership.
Police investigations revealed that Inkoom had no such partner and had fabricated the story to defraud the victims.
Recovery and Court Proceedings
During the investigation, $2,000 was recovered from Inkoom and returned to Madam Awuni. After concluding their enquiries, the police charged Inkoom with fraud and arraigned him before the court.
The case has been adjourned, with Inkoom expected to reappear on January 22, 2025, as the court examines the allegations and determines the next steps.
