An Accra Circuit Court has remanded two men, including a media worker and a journalist, into police custody over an alleged GH¢800,000 fraud case involving a Ghanaian resident in the United States. Editorial Standards
The accused persons are Bilyaminu Ibrahim, a media worker, and Mohammed Musah, a journalist. Ibrahim is facing allegations connected to defrauding by false pretence, while Musah has been accused of harbouring a criminal. Ibrahim and Musah have denied the allegations, and the case remains before the court.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Ramata Asumah, told the court that the complainant is Fawuziya Issaka, the younger sister of the alleged victim, Tourwana Katakarauo, who resides in the United States.
According to the prosecution, the alleged scheme began in 2021 after Katakaraou Jabiru, described as an alleged accomplice of Ibrahim, became aware that Tourwana was experiencing difficulties while living in the United States.
Jabiru allegedly informed Fawuziya that he knew a spiritualist who could assist Tourwana with her problems. The prosecution claims Ibrahim subsequently presented himself as the spiritualist and began communicating with the family.
The court was told that Ibrahim and Jabiru allegedly obtained about GH¢800,000 from Tourwana in instalments after claiming that the money was required for sacrifices and other spiritual activities to protect her and her mother from supposed spiritual attacks.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused later told Tourwana that her late father owed money to an unidentified person who intended to spiritually harm her. This, according to the prosecution, resulted in additional payments allegedly meant for Quran recitations and other spiritual activities.
The alleged transactions continued into 2023 after Tourwana’s mother reportedly suffered a stroke.
The prosecution said Jabiru allegedly told Ibrahim that another person was attempting to cause a similar attack on the mother.
Ibrahim and Jabiru allegedly requested further payments to provide spiritual protection and supposedly redirect the attack to the person responsible.
The court heard that additional sums were also allegedly received as appreciation for the purported spiritual services.
The matter was reportedly taken to family elders in an attempt to resolve the dispute. However, the efforts did not settle the matter, eventually leading to a police complaint and subsequent investigations. Editorial Ethics & Independence
During the investigations, Ibrahim allegedly admitted to police that he had posed as a spiritualist. Police also reportedly recovered GH¢49,000 from him.
The prosecution’s case also involves Mohammed Musah, who is accused of helping Jabiru avoid arrest.
According to the prosecution, Jabiru fled to Togo after learning of Ibrahim’s arrest. He later returned to Ghana in September 2026 and allegedly stayed with Ibrahim and Musah at Dodowa.
Police officers reportedly went to Jabiru’s residence on October 1 as part of efforts to arrest him. The prosecution said officers met Musah at the residence and were allegedly told that Jabiru had gone out.
The prosecution further alleged that Musah later sent a message to Jabiru telling him not to return to the house because he did not want him to be arrested.
According to the court proceedings, Musah admitted sending the message but denied the allegation that he was harbouring a criminal. Jabiru remains at large, according to the prosecution.
The court subsequently remanded Ibrahim and Musah into police custody. They are expected to return before the court, presided over by Mr Joseph Kunsong, on October 20, 2026.
The case has attracted attention because of the alleged amount involved and the method through which the prosecution says the money was obtained. The allegations highlight the potential risks associated with individuals exploiting people’s fears, personal difficulties or beliefs for financial gain.
However, the allegations presented in court remain accusations and have not yet been established as fact. The accused persons are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless a court determines otherwise.
The case also demonstrates the importance of exercising caution when individuals request substantial sums of money for purported spiritual, medical or other forms of intervention, particularly where there is no independently verifiable basis for the claims being made. Corrections Policy
For families dealing with difficult circumstances, seeking assistance from recognised professionals and trusted institutions can help reduce the risk of financial exploitation.
Where substantial financial transactions are involved, maintaining records of payments and communications may also assist in resolving disputes or supporting investigations if concerns arise.
As proceedings continue, the prosecution will have to establish its case before the court, while the accused persons will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and challenge the evidence presented against them.
The whereabouts of Jabiru remain unknown, according to the prosecution, while Ibrahim and Musah are expected back in court on October 20.
The outcome of the proceedings will depend on the evidence presented and the court’s determination of the charges.