A National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) employee and a businessman have been granted bail in a high-profile land fraud case involving a Chinese national. Mawuyiram Emmanuel Kojo Asai, 43, and Jonas Darpoh, 34, were each granted bail of GH¢1,300,000 by the Dansoman Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and defrauding by false pretences.
The two men are accused of defrauding Beipeng Lei, a Chinese national residing in Weija, of GH¢1,240,000 in a land transaction. Lei allegedly purchased 11.46 acres of land in Dawhenya from Darpoh between 2021 and 2024, paying in installments. However, Darpoh subsequently informed Lei of ownership disputes and warned him against accessing the land.
Suspicious of foul play, Lei reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2024, leading to the arrest of Asai and Darpoh. Investigations revealed that the accused had received the funds but failed to provide necessary documentation, despite promising to do so by October 4, 2024. Further investigation confirmed that the land in question was owned by a different party.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Nuarko, opposed the bail application, citing the accused's failure to cooperate during investigations, including their failure to report to the police after being granted police inquiry bail. The prosecution argued that the accused posed a flight risk. However, the defense, represented by Edwin Osei Boateng, argued for bail, stating the accused's willingness to comply with all bail conditions.
Presiding Judge Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit granted bail under stringent conditions. Each accused must provide three sureties: two public servants earning at least GH¢10,000 monthly and one surety providing title deeds equivalent to the bail amount. They must also deposit their Ghana Cards at the Court Registry and report weekly to the police station.
The court referred the case to the Attorney General for advice due to the significant amount involved. The case has been adjourned to April 23, 2025, to allow for further investigations and legal advice. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges under Sections 23(1) and 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
