32-year-old man jailed 35 years for $50k fraud

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has publicly announced the conviction and sentencing of Abdul Munaf Lawal, a 32-year-old man, to 35 years of hard labour in prison for defrauding a victim of $50,000 through deceitful means.

A statement from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, the Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Regional Police, noted that this conviction wraps up a case that was initially reported in July 2023.

Lawal was accused of taking $50,000 from a complainant under the false pretence of converting the funds into Ghana Cedis, but failed to return the equivalent amount and fled shortly after receiving the money.

Subsequent police investigations ultimately led to his capture in Accra on June 27, 2025, in connection with another fraud case. He was later transferred to the Ashanti Regional Police Command, where further enquiries revealed his involvement in the earlier case.

The suspect faced charges and was presented before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1, under the oversight of His Honour Mr. Fred Obikyere (Esq.).

Initially, Lawal pleaded not guilty and was remanded into custody while awaiting trial, but during court proceedings on September 3, 2025, Lawal changed his plea to guilty.

During the court hearing, the prosecution noted that the accused had a prior criminal record, having already served 24 months in prison for theft.