Kelvin Ibrahim Okoro, a 40-year-old businessman, has been granted bail of GH¢160,000 by an Accra Circuit Court following allegations of defrauding a real estate developer of GH¢150,000. Okoro is accused of falsely claiming he needed the money to finalize the purchase of a US$800,000 house in East Legon.
Okoro, a Nigerian national, faces charges of conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretenses, in violation of Sections 23(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Legal Proceedings
The accused appeared in court with the complainant, represented by Raymond Felli Esq, holding brief for Yaw Dankwa Esq. The state was represented by Insp. Peprah and C/Insp. Christopher Wonder.
Initially remanded, Okoro’s counsel successfully renewed an application for bail, arguing that their client is married with a dependent child and has strong social and economic ties within the court’s jurisdiction. The defense argued that Okoro is not a flight risk, would not interfere with investigations, and had credible individuals willing to serve as sureties. They also emphasized that Okoro had been detained for more than 48 hours.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, citing ongoing investigations and concerns that Okoro might interfere with the apprehension of three alleged accomplices – Hajia Binta, Amegashie, and Eric – who are currently at large. They also raised questions regarding the legitimacy of Okoro’s residency in Ghana.
Defense Counsel countered, calling the prosecution’s stance discriminatory and asserting that nationality alone should not be grounds for denying bail.
Court Ruling
Her Ladyship Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, presiding as a Circuit Court judge, initially denied bail, citing Section 96(5)(b) of Act 30 to allow for expedited investigations. The court directed the prosecution to file disclosures and witness statements before the Case Management Conference, originally scheduled for November 3, 2025.
However, on November 12, 2025, the court reversed its decision and granted Okoro bail of GH¢160,000 with two justified sureties. As part of the bail conditions, Okoro must deposit his Ghana Card at the court registry and report to the police every two weeks.
The case has been adjourned to December 5, 2025.
Background of the Alleged Fraud
According to court documents, the complainant, Seidu Sitafa, a real estate developer in East Legon, was approached on October 11, 2025, by Okoro and Hajia Binta, who claimed to represent a Gabonese minister interested in purchasing a property. Sitafa offered the property for US$800,000, which was agreed upon.
On October 15, 2025, Okoro allegedly invited Sitafa to Anyaa to finalize the transaction. Upon arrival, Sitafa met Okoro and two other individuals, Amegashie and Eric, who presented a sealed box supposedly containing the payment. The group claimed that the driver who transported the funds required GH¢150,000 to cover expenses before releasing the dollars.
Believing the explanation, Sitafa paid the GH¢150,000. Shortly after, realizing the transaction was likely fraudulent, Sitafa returned to the location but found that the individuals had disappeared with the money and the alleged cash box.
With assistance from his driver, Sitafa apprehended Okoro and handed him over to the police. During interrogation, Okoro reportedly admitted to the offenses and identified his accomplices. Police investigations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects.
