Businessman remanded over alleged car fraud

An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the remand of a trader accused of defrauding a businessman of GH¢214,000 in a car importation deal.

Nicholas Lumor allegedly took the amount from Emmanuel Kwesi Amponsah under the pretense of delivering five vehicles: two Toyota Camry models, two Hyundai Elantras, and a 2023 Toyota Corolla.

Presiding Judge Samuel Bright Acquah has scheduled the next hearing for February 25, 2025.

Background of the Case

According to Police Chief Inspector Daniel Danku, the complainant, Mr. Amponsah, a businessman residing in Cantonments, encountered Lumor, who lives in Koforidua, during a trip to Dubai.

While in Dubai on May 16, 2024, Mr. Amponsah was searching for a Ghanaian restaurant, which his brother led him to—owned by Lumor. During their meeting, Lumor claimed to be involved in exporting vehicles to Ghana, sparking the complainant’s interest.

Mr. Amponsah subsequently agreed to a deal, requesting Lumor to ship five vehicles to Ghana. Upon his return to the country, Lumor presented images of accident-damaged cars and requested a payment of GH¢214,000, including shipping costs.

Trusting the deal, Mr. Amponsah made the payment. However, after receiving the funds, Lumor allegedly became unresponsive.

By August 7, 2024, Lumor finally reached out, requesting an additional GH¢150,000. Although hesitant, Mr. Amponsah complied with the request.

When further attempts to reach Lumor proved futile, Mr. Amponsah reported the matter to the Dubai Police. Their investigations revealed that Lumor had left Dubai for Ghana on August 3, before the complaint was lodged.

Arrest and Investigation

Authorities in Ghana later arrested Lumor, and he is currently assisting the police with investigations.

The case remains under review, with further developments expected at the next court hearing.