Nigerian Businessman Detained in Ghana Over $130,000 Wristwatch Fraud Scheme

Accra: A Nigerian businessman, Adesolape Funmise Ogunba, has been detained by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding another Nigerian businessman of $130,000 in a fraudulent wristwatch sale. According to Ghana News Agency, Ogunba, 40, is charged with defrauding by false pretense after failing to deliver a Richard Mille 1102 wristwatch despite receiving the full payment. The court presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, remanded him into police custody on October 16, 2024, following his plea of not guilty. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Raymond Ackom, the prosecutor, detailed that the victim, Mr. Nduomyi Bassey, a resident of Trassacco, East Legon, was approached by Ogunba through social media platforms Snapchat and WhatsApp. Between 2022 and 2023, Ogunba, who resided in Dubai at the time, convinced Bassey to transfer the sum under the pretense of selling him the luxury wristwatch. On July 6, 2022, Bassey transferred 11,960,000 Naira to Ogunba's account in Nigeria and subsequently tran sferred the remaining amount to a Bitcoin wallet provided by Ogunba. Despite confirming receipt of the full $130,000, Ogunba failed to deliver the wristwatch and ceased all communications with Bassey, eventually going into hiding. The prosecution revealed that Bassey initiated criminal proceedings through Interpol, leading to Ogunba's arrest following a warrant issued by Magistrate District Court Judge Mrs. Ama Adomako-Kwarkye. During the investigation, Ogunba admitted to receiving the initial payment but claimed that the Bitcoin funds were with a Nigerian accomplice who is currently in hiding in Nigeria and Dubai. Further investigations are expected as authorities collaborate with Interpol to uncover more details about the crime.