Spiritualist in police custody for fraud

An Accra Circuit Tribunal on Thursday remanded Sulemana Issakah Banda, a spiritualist, in police custody for defrauding a security man of 3,500 dollars under the pretext of securing him an Australian visa.

Banda pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretence and is to reappear on August 2.

The tribunal chaired by Mr Imoru Ziblim heard that in August 2000, Mr Issah Tufadu, the complainant who wanted to travel abroad was introduced to the accused to assist him procure a visa.

Banda on August 28 charged 3,500 dollars for his services and Mr Tufadu made a part payment of 500 dollars.

The tribunal further heard that the accused failed to fulfil his six-week promise to get the documents ready. On March 13 this year, Banda told Mr Tufadu that the documents were ready and that the complainant should accompany him to purchase the ticket for the trip.

The prosecution said an additional 3000 dollars was paid to the accused person compelling him to arrange for the complainant's departure.

On the departure day, Banda led Mr Tufadu to the Airport where he handed over a Liberian passport with Australian visa bearing the name of Bulak Nathan-Pewe.

Mr Tufadu went on the flight but was arrested on arrival for possessing a fake passport and repatriated to Ghana.