Tribunal convict two businesswomen for fraud

Accra (Greater Accra) 12 Aug. ’99

An Accra Circuit Tribunal on Wednesday convicted Biliki Yusif and Adejatu Buhari, businesswomen, for their involvement in defrauding another businesswoman of 4.3 million cedis.

Biliki was sentenced to two years' imprisonment while Adejatu, who has refunded two million cedis, was fined one million cedis or in default serve two years in jail. Adejatu will in addition, pay 500,000 cedis to Mrs Elizabeth Duffor Pokua, the complainant, as compensation.

A bench warrant will be issued for the arrest of the first accused, Amadu who is on the run.

The tribunal chaired by Mrs Elizabeth Anderson Yeboah ordered that all monies paid should be released to Mrs Pokua.

Biliki and Adejatu pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and defrauding by false pretences.

Amadu is married to Biliki, who is Adejatu's daughter.

The Prosecution’s story is that in July 1997, Mrs Pokua wanted a warehouse and was introduced to Amadu who led her to Biliki and Adejatu at Okaishie in Accra to inspect one.

After the inspection, Mrs Pokua paid 4.36 million cedis to Amadu in the presence of Adejatu and the necessary documents covering the payment were prepared after, which the keys were handed over to her.

When Mrs Pokua went to open the warehouse she realised that the keys could not open the warehouse, because the correct keys were with Adejatu's husband, who owned the warehouse.

The prosecution said Mrs Pokua reported the matter to Adejatu, who promised to settle the issue with her husband or refund the money.

However, Adejatu failed to honour her promise.

Mrs Pokua reported the matter to the Police, who arrested them.

During interrogation, Biliki and Adejatu admitted having transaction with the Mrs Pokua but denied collecting any money from her.

GRi../