Businessman on conspiracy to commit crime charge granted bail

An Accra Circuit Court, presided by Mr Francis Obiri, on Tuesday, granted Nii Ankrah Antiaye, a businessman, accused of conspiracy to commit a crime, bail in the sum of GH¢ 5,000.00 with two sureties to justify.

The facts of the case, as presented by Police Chief Inspector Kwabena Adu, are that the complainant, who resides at Adenta, is an operator of a Forex Bureau, while the accused person lives at Dansoman.

On May 2, last year, at about 1300 hours, the complainant received a call from the accused person that his friend one Stephen, now at large wanted €10,000.00 to buy so he confirmed that he could get it for him.

He said Nii then directed the complainant to meet him at the Dansoman roundabout with the money, but on his arrival the accused took him to the “Keep Fit,” area to wait for the friend.

The Prosecution said while waiting, Nii received a call and after that told the complainant that his friend said he was taking some money from the Accra Academy Bursar and so they should go and meet him there.

He said the accused person led the complainant to the school compound, where he introduced a certain man to him as Stephen.

The complainant handed over the €10,000.00 to Stephen, who also handed the money to a certain man who was with him.

However, the accused person after collecting the money turned round to accuse the complainant of dealing in fake currency.

Chief Inspector Adu said a hot argument ensued between them and suddenly two men in military uniform emerged from a car parked nearby holding a gun.

He told the court that the two men joined the accused person and took the complainants GH¢ 2,000.00, which was in his vehicle together with the €10,000.00 at gun point.

He said Nii then instructed the complainant to drive to the Odorkor Police Station but on their way they drove the complainant to Bubuashie, abandoned him there and bolted.

According to the Prosecution on July 2, 2013, the complainant located Nii at Dansoman, informed the Police, and he was arrested.

He admitted in his caution statement that he met the complainant at Dansoman roundabout but denied ever taking part in the operation.

Chief Inspector Adu said during investigation, Nii refunded GH¢ 7,000.00 out of the money, which was subsequently handed over to the complainant.

He said after a duplicate docket was sent to the law office for advice, the Police received instructions from the office to charge the accused person with the offences.