22-Year-Old Musician Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding Trader of GHS258,000

Strategic Insights -

A 22-year-old musician and businessman, Salman Abdul Hamid, has been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a trader, Abdul Aziz Jibril, of GHS258,000 under the pretence of exchanging it for US$30,000. The case stems from a complaint filed by Abdul Aziz Jibril, a trader based in Aplaku, Accra. According to the prosecution, on May 16, 2025, Abdul Hamid received GHS258,000 from Jibril at UTC, Accra Central, in a foreign exchange transaction. However, Abdul Hamid allegedly returned only US$10,000 promising to deliver the remaining US$20,000 the following day, but failed to do so.

Key Takeaways:

  • The accused, Salman Abdul Hamid, pleaded not guilty to the charge of fraudulent breach of trust, contrary to Section 128 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
  • Abdul Hamid was granted bail in the sum of GHS220,000 with three sureties, two of whom must be Public Servants earning not less than GHS5,000 monthly.
  • The accused must deposit his Ghana Card with the court registry and report to the police station once every week until further notice.
  • The case alleges that Abdul Hamid used the money for online trading, where he claimed to have lost the entire amount.
  • Abdul Hamid was arrested on July 10, 2025, at his hideout in Awoshie, a suburb of Accra.
  • The complainant, Abdul Aziz Jibril, lodged a report with the police on May 21, 2025, after several unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the funds.
  • The prosecution states that Abdullah Hamid received GHS258,000 from the complainant on May 16, 2025, and only returned US$10,000.

Statistics:

  • GHS258,000: The amount allegedly defrauded from the complainant, Abdul Aziz Jibril.
  • US$30,000: The amount Abdul Hamid promised to exchange the GHS258,000 for, but only returned US$10,000.
  • GHS220,000: The bail amount granted to the accused, Salman Abdul Hamid.
  • GHS5,000: The monthly earnings required of the two Public Servant sureties.
  • May 16, 2025: The date on which Abdul Hamid received GHS258,000 from the complainant.
  • May 21, 2025: The date on which the complainant lodged a report with the police.
  • July 10, 2025: The date on which Abdul Hamid was arrested at his hideout in Awoshie.

Sources:

  • Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)
  • Prosecutor's submissions to the Dansoman Circuit Court