A businessman, Issifu Mumuni, is calling for justice after accusing officers at the Atomic and Nima Police Stations of misconduct and extortion while handling a $17,200 fraud case involving him and a group of alleged fraudsters.
The case began on November 1, 2023, when Mumuni’s brother received a call from individuals claiming they wanted to exchange money.
The fraudsters, said they needed $17,200 and since his brother could not raise such amount, they were directed to his (Issiful Mumuni) business center.
They directed the callers, Ibrahim Mohammed and Abdul Rahman, to their forex business center, where the suspects arrived in a RAV4 car with registration number GR 9994-23.
The suspects claimed their “boss” would complete the transaction and took Mumuni to a supposed office in Dome.
Whiles There, the guys collected $17,200, promising to return with the equivalent amount in Ghana cedis. However, they disappeared through the main gate, prompting an alarm.
One of the suspects, Ibrahim Ahmed, was arrested after a chase, while the other escaped. The matter was reported to the Atomic Police Station in Kwabenya.
Mumuni alleged that instead of pursuing justice, the police mishandled the case.
He claims that ASP Mulaika, initially assigned to the case, detained him and Ibrahim Ahmed at the Nima Police Station under questionable circumstances.
“I was detained for four days, from Friday to Tuesday, and forced to pay GHC 2,000 for bail,” Mumuni recounted.
He also alleged that the police demanded additional payments, including GHC 7,000 from him and GHC 3,000 from his brother, Amadu Mumuni, with a further GHC 1,000 demanded to publish the fraudsters’ details in the media.
Despite assurances from the police that part of the stolen money would be returned through Chief Inspector Asare, Mumuni claims no money has been recovered, and the fraudster was released after making promises.
According to him, the police placed a call through to one of the suspects at large, Abdul Rahman, who said he was going to send the money through a Merchant Number hence a number was given to him for the transaction.
Frustrated by the lack of progress and alleged extortion, Mumuni petitioned the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards (PIPS) Directorate and the Police Headquarters. He also questioned why the case, already being handled by the Economic and Organized Crimes Unit (EOCO) under CID Linda, was simultaneously managed at a lower level by the Regional Police Command.
“The case is still with PIPS, and we are awaiting their findings,” Mumuni stated, expressing hope for justice.
Mumuni’s ordeal has raised concerns about police accountability and the handling of fraud cases in Ghana. He has called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and to address the alleged misconduct by officers involved in the case.
The Ghana Police Service has yet to comment on the allegations.