A Bibiani-based self-styled car dealer, who allegedly defrauded a housewife of GH¢ 30,000 at Mankessim in the Central Region, under the pretext of buying her auctioned cars, has been granted bail by a Cape Coast Circuit Court.

Elijah Ofori, 34, an excavator operator, was granted bail in the sum of GH¢20, 000.00 with two sureties, after pleading not guilty to defrauding by false pretense.

Ofori would re-appear before the court on Wednesday, March 4.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Peter Paul Amoah, told the court presided over by Ms. Sedina Agbemava, that Ofori, a native of Ajumako Essiam was introduced to the complainant, Ms. Constance Amoako Buadu by one Eric Eduah, a driver.

He said Mrs. Buadu, based on assurance from Eduah, arranged a meeting with Ofori during which Ofori confirmed his ability to purchase the cars from the Tema Port at the cost of GH¢5, 000.00 each.

He said on August 6, last year, Ofori invited Ms. Buadu and Eduah to the Tema Port where they inspected, selected and wrote the chassis numbers of five cars she was interested in, and handed them over to the accused person.

Chief Inspector Amoah said Ms. Buadu paid cash in the sum of GH¢ 25,000 to Ofori, and later transferred GH¢ 5,000 to Ofori, bringing the total to GH¢30,000, after which he assured her the cars would be released from the port within 21 days.

He said when the 21 days elapsed, Ms. Buadu neither received her cars nor traced Ofori, but luck however ran out for Ofori, when he was arrested at Kasoa by someone who feigned interest in his car business.

During Police investigations, Ofori admitted receiving 27,000 from Ms. Buadu, and not the said GH¢ 30,000 to buy her some cars, and said he was not able to fulfil the promise.