Businessman in court over fraud

A Self-styled businessman, who is accused of defrauding a trader of GH?7,500.00 under the pretext of securing him an Australian visa but failed to do so, has appeared before a Circuit Court in Accra.

Tony Nikon, who also presented himself as staff of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences.

The court presided over by Ms Ruby Naa Adjaley Quayson admitted Nikon to bail in the sum of GH?7,500.00 with two sureties, one to be a public servant earning not less than GH?600.00 a month.

Nikon is expected to reappear on February 1.

Prosecuting Chief Inspector Kofi Adu said in June 2013, the complainant Augustine Frempong, resides at Dome, Accra, while the accused persons live at Kwabenya.

Chief Inspector Adu said somewhere in June 2013, the complainant decided to travel to Australia and therefore needed the necessary documents to facilitate his journey.

Prosecution said the complainant discussed the issue with Nikon who attends the same church with him (complainant).

In their discussion, accused told the complainant that he was a staff of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and that he could easily secure him the travelling documents at a cost of 6,000 dollars.

Based on that information, prosecution said Nikon collected GH?7,500.00 as part payment and promised to provide the travelling documents within one and half months.

Nikon after collecting the money failed to honour his promise and went into hiding.

Luck run out on Nikon when he was spotted at Dome Market and the complainant caused his arrest and handed him over to the Police.