Pensioner dragged to court for visa scandal

Alhaji Amadu Abu, a pensioner, who defrauded a farmer of 5.5 million cedis and 300 US dollars under the pretext of securing an

American visa for him was on Wednesday arraigned before a Circuit Tribunal in Accra.

Abu pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences and was granted 10 million cedis' bail with a surety to re-appear on October 23.

Police Inspector Bennett Sarfo, prosecuting told the tribunal chaired by Mr Imoru Ziblim that in October last year the complainant, Alhaji Mustapha Iddrisu, decided to travel abroad.

He said Alhaji Iddrisu told Abu of his plans and he, Abu, agreed to secure him an American visa.

Abu collected 5.5 million cedis and 300 dollars from Alhaji Iddrisu and promised to produce the visa in two weeks' time.

Inspector Sarfo said Abu failed to produce the visa and when all efforts made by Alhaji Iddrisu to have the money refunded failed, he reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of Abu.