Inkoom granted GH¢100K bail in visa fraud case

Former Ghana Black Stars player, Samuel Inkoom, has been granted bail of GH¢100,000 with two sureties by a court in Accra over allegations of visa fraud.

The court presided over by Susana Eduful, stipulated that each surety must have a minimum monthly income of GH¢5,000. Inkoom has also been directed to deposit a passport-sized photograph with the court registry.

The footballer is accused of taking $4,000 from one Elizabeth Atarime Mboh Awuni under the pretext of obtaining a United States visa for her client. Inkoom, however, has denied the allegations.

He is scheduled to appear before the court again on 22 January 2025.

Background

Police Chief Inspector Tetteh Boafo, presenting the facts of the case, stated that the complainants, Madam Awuni, an entrepreneur, and Madam Abigail Owusu, a public servant, both reside in Oyarifa, Accra. Inkoom, the accused, resides in Sekondi Takoradi in the Western Region.

In December 2023, Madam Awuni met Inkoom at Achimota while scouting young footballers. During their conversation, Inkoom claimed he also worked in the travel and tour industry and could secure USA and Canadian visas within six weeks for $4,000.

Convinced by his claims, Madam Awuni paid $4,000 for a visa for her client. Similarly, Madam Owusu, having met Inkoom separately, paid $2,000 for the same purpose.

Allegations

Inkoom allegedly failed to deliver the visas within the promised six-to-eight-week period and went into hiding. The complainants, suspecting foul play, reported the matter to the police.

When questioned, Inkoom admitted to receiving the money but claimed he had forwarded it to a partner in the United States to facilitate the visa process.

However, he failed to provide any evidence of this partnership, leading the police to consider his claims as false.

Further investigations revealed that Inkoom had no such partner in the United States and had fabricated the story to defraud the victims.

Recovery and Arraignment

During the investigation, $2,000 was retrieved from Inkoom and returned to Madam Awuni. After completing their inquiries, the police charged Inkoom and brought him before the court.

The case has been adjourned, with Inkoom expected to reappear on 22 January 2025.