A 62-year-old businesswoman, Nana Ama Nwurueze, has been remanded by the Kaneshie District Court following a bribery allegation that emerged during a hearing of her ongoing fraud trial.
Nwurueze, who is already standing trial for allegedly defrauding a CCTV technician of GH¢9,000 under the guise of securing an American visa, was ordered into custody after prosecutors accused her of attempting to influence the case investigator with money.
According to Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, the case investigator, Chief Inspector Hope Latsu, was contacted by an individual claiming to be one of Nwurueze’s victims.
That person later sent GH¢10,000 to the officer, instructing that GH¢9,000 be used to reimburse the complainant, with GH¢1,000 marked as a personal reward for the officer.
“Since the Ghana Police Service serves with integrity, we pray for her remand to assist us with investigations, as the sender of the money remains unidentified,” Chief Inspector Achana told the court.
Nwurueze admitted knowledge of the money transfer during court proceedings. Presiding judge Ms. Abena Asoh Owusu-Omenyo granted the prosecution’s request and remanded her to assist with investigations. She is expected to reappear in court on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Facing multiple fraud allegations
In addition to the visa-related case, Nwurueze is also facing two counts of defrauding by false pretences in a separate case before the same court.
She is accused of deceiving a pastor into paying her GH¢170,000 under the pretense of helping to clear goods at the Tema Port.
The prosecution alleged that she attempted to refund the money by issuing two cheques, both of which were dishonoured.
She also claimed ownership of lands at Villaggio, Tetteh Quarshie, and Aburi, and reportedly took the complainants to inspect the Aburi property. However, she failed to present any documentation proving ownership and subsequently cut off contact.
The pastor later filed a petition after reading about her arrest in a news report. Nwurueze has pleaded not guilty in that case as well and has been remanded to reappear on May 26, 2025.
Bail granted in third fraud case
In a third matter also before the Kaneshie District Court, Nwurueze has been granted bail in the amount of GH¢200,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified.
As part of her bail conditions, she must deposit her passport with the court and report to the police twice a week.
In this case, she allegedly misrepresented herself as a wealthy businesswoman, claiming ownership of major assets including Ohemaa Plaza at East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a residence at the Airport Residential Area, in a bid to defraud another complainant.
She has been charged with a single count of defrauding by false pretences.
