Former Black Stars player in court over alleged visa fraud
By DL News
Published
1 min read
The 34-year-old is accused of taking $3,500 from a student, Benjamin Opare Addo, under the pretext of securing a visa for travel to the Netherlands, a promise he allegedly failed to fulfill.
Samuel Inkoom, a former Black Stars footballer, has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court on charges of defrauding by false pretenses.
The 34-year-old is accused of taking $3,500 from a student, Benjamin Opare Addo, under the pretext of securing a visa for travel to the Netherlands, a promise he allegedly failed to fulfill.
Inkoom entered a plea of not guilty before the court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo. He was granted bail set at GH¢50,000, with one surety, and is scheduled to reappear on December 30, 2024.
In defense, Inkoom’s lawyer requested bail, noting that the accused had already refunded GH¢7,000 and was working to pay back the remaining GH¢25,100. The defense further highlighted Inkoom’s reputable character and assured the court of his willingness to attend future proceedings.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, stated that Inkoom presented himself as the proprietor of S. Inkoom Travel and Tour Company. In September 2023, he allegedly persuaded Addo that he could facilitate the visa for the sum of $3,500. Over a period from September to November 2023, Addo reportedly transferred a total of GH¢32,100 in instalments.
The court was informed that Inkoom did not provide the promised visa within the stipulated time, prompting Addo to repeatedly seek a refund or the visa, to no avail. Consequently, Addo reported the issue to the police.
Inkoom was subsequently arrested on January 11, 2024. During interrogation, he admitted to the allegations, returning GH¢7,000 but failing to reimburse the remaining GH¢25,100.
