Accra, Feb 19, GNA- Mathew Ogboru, a Nigerian, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding an Italian investor of 3,000 dollars under the pretext of supplying him with African artefacts. Ogboru who pleaded not guilty was granted 60 million cedis bail with two sureties to be justified.

The court ordered the accused person to re-appear on March 10. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Eric Amoako, told the court that on January 28, 2004, the Italian, Francis Cerani, who is in the country for business purposes, met Ogbornu and his accomplices at the Novotel Hotel in Accra.

The Prosecutor said the accused person managed to lure Cerani to buy African artefacts, to which he consented, and parted with 3,000 dollars. DSP Aamoakon said on receiving the money, Ogbornu failed to produce the artefacts as promised, and a report was made to the Police for his arrest. Ogbornu denied taking the money, the prosecution said.