A Former Black Stars player, Samuel Inkoom, yesterday deposited GH¢10,000, out of the US$8, 000 he was accused of having fraudulently taken from complainants, with the Kwabenya Circuit Court, in Accra.
Inkoom, who was charged with defrauding by false presences, pleaded with the court on September 25, this year that he would refund the full amount, on October 31, when he would make his second appearance before the court.
The former Black Stars player told the court that he has offered his properties for sale, and would refund the US$8, 000 on October 31.
Consequently, the court, presided over by Ms Mawusi Bedjrah, granted the request of Inkoom, who first appeared before it on July 23, this year.
Incoom was not in court yesterday, but he was represented by his counsel, Nii Ayitey Okine, who gave the money to the court.
Nii Okine told the court that his client had been hospitalised at a health facility in Takoradi, and has directed him (lawyer) to make part payment, and promised to refund the rest on the next adjourned date, December 2.
Chief Inspector Togbe Gershon Achondo, prosecuting, told the court that the complainants, Doris Dwakwah and her fiancé, Seth Osei Adjei, used to live in Dubai while Inkoom, a footballer, was living in Accra.
The prosecution said the complainants were introduced to the accused whilst in Dubai that he could assist them relocate to the United States of America (USA).
Chief Insp. Achondo noted that the complainants contacted accused to help them travel to the USA.
The court further heard that Inkoom told the complainants that he has a company that could facilitate their travel to the USA.
Chief Insp. Achondo stated that the accused asked the complainants to pay US$4,000 each, which they did through John Dadzie, the father of Doris Dankwa.
The prosecution disclosed that Dadzie handed over US$8,000 to Inkoom, being money from complainants, at the Atlantic Towers, Airport, in Accra.
Chief Insp. Achondo told the court that the accused after receiving the money, Inkoom failed to procure the USA visas for the complainants.
He revealed that several phone calls to the accused in respect of the visas were not answered.
Chief Insp. Achondo disclosed that the case was reported to the police and the police invited accused several times, but to no avail.
The prosecution told the court that the police further invited Inkoom through a Board Member of his former club, Accra Hearts of Oak, and his colleague footballers, but he failed to report to the police.
Chief Insp. Achondo said accused was summoned to appear before court via his WhatsApp on phone
BY LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU
