32-year-old man jailed 35 years for $50K fraud
By DL news
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Lawal’s troubles began when a complainant handed him $50,000 to convert into Ghana cedis. Instead of fulfilling his promise, he vanished with the cash.
The Asokwa Circuit Court in Kumasi has sentenced 32-year-old Abdul Manaf Lawal to 35 years in prison with hard labour after finding him guilty of defrauding by false pretence.
The ruling was delivered by Judge Fred Obikyere.
Lawal’s troubles began when a complainant handed him $50,000 to convert into Ghana cedis. Instead of fulfilling his promise, he vanished with the cash.
According to a police statement signed by DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Police PRO, Lawal went underground until investigators tracked him down in Accra on June 27, 2025, where he was arrested over a similar case.
He was later transferred to the Ashanti Regional Police Command to face charges linked to the original complaint.
When brought before Asokwa Circuit Court 1, Lawal initially pleaded not guilty and was remanded while the case unfolded. But on September 3, 2025, he changed course and entered a guilty plea.
Prosecutors then reminded the court of his criminal history a 24-month prison term previously served for theft.
In light of this, sentencing was deferred until September 10, 2025, when the court imposed the lengthy jail term
