A 62-year-old self-proclaimed businesswoman, Nana Ama Nwurueze, has been remanded by the Adabraka District Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding another businesswoman of $13,000 under false pretenses.

Details of the Case

The accused reportedly posed as a successful businesswoman with substantial properties, including:

• Ohemaa Plaza in East Legon,
• Fishing vessels in Takoradi,
• A house at Airport Residential Area.

These claims were allegedly used to deceive the complainant, Dorothy Asare, into handing over $13,000.

Court Proceedings

Appearing before Her Worship Abena Asoh Owusu-Omenyo, Nana Ama Nwurueze pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretenses. However, her bail application was denied as the court cited evidence suggesting she was a flight risk.

George Asamani, counsel for the accused, argued that:

• His client had been unwell and had no intention of evading justice.
• She would comply with court proceedings if granted bail.

Despite these assurances, Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, the prosecutor, opposed the bail application, citing the accused’s history of evasion.

Background and Arrest

The case was first reported at the Airport Police Station in 2021, but efforts to arrest Nwurueze were unsuccessful. After a petition to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), she was eventually arrested in March 2024.

After her initial arrest, she was granted police inquiry bail but allegedly went into hiding, leading to a bench warrant issued in December 2024.

Legal Perspective

The prosecution insisted that:

• The accused had failed to cooperate during investigations.
• Granting her bail would jeopardize the case.

The court agreed, leading to her remand.

Next Steps

The case has been adjourned, with the accused expected to remain in custody until the next hearing.