Lawyer in court for allegedly defrauding U.S.-based nurse of $150,000
The lawyer has been charged with defrauding by false pretence. She, however, pleaded not guilty. The court, presided over by a Circuit Court judge, granted her bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties, one to be justified.
A 28-year-old legal practitioner, Magdalene Aba Amporful, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a United States-based nurse of $150,000 under the pretext of purchasing a house on her behalf.
The lawyer has been charged with defrauding by false pretence. She, however, pleaded not guilty.
The court, presided over by a Circuit Court judge, granted her bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties, one to be justified. She has also been directed to report to the Police once every two weeks. The case has been adjourned to March 19, 2026, for a Case Management Conference.
Presenting the facts, the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, told the court that the complainant, Dorcas Koomson Ayittey, a nurse residing in the United States, contacted the legal practitioner, Amporful in 2020 to assist her in purchasing a four-bedroom house in Ghana.
According to ASP Frimpong, Amporful informed Ayittey that she had secured a property at Cape Coast for $75,000 and requested payment, which the complainant transferred. Amporful confirmed receipt of the amount.
The prosecutor further stated that Amporful later introduced another property located at Spintex, said to belong to Western View Villa Estate, at a cost of $150,000. She allegedly convinced Ayittey to dispose of the Cape Coast property, claiming it had been sold for $80,000, and requested a top-up of $70,000.
ASP Frimpong told the court that Ayittey sent the additional $70,000, bringing the total amount transferred to $150,000.
The accused subsequently informed the complainant that she had secured the Spintex property from Michael Kojo Opata, Manager of Western View Villa Estate.
However, the court heard that in December 2024, when Ayittey travelled to Ghana and requested to inspect the property, obtain receipts and take possession of the keys, Amporful allegedly declined and offered various excuses.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Police.
The prosecution said Amporful was arrested and, in her caution statement, admitted the offence.
The investigator, ASP Frimpong told the court that no property had been purchased.
The Police confirmed with the caretaker of the Cape Coast property, Peace Eyira Dokeh, that Amporful had never bought the house.
Further checks with the Manager and Director of Western View Villa Estate also established that no payment had been made by Amporful for the Spintex property.
According to the prosecution, Amporful was unable to produce any receipts or documentation to show that she had entered into negotiations or made any payment towards the purchase of a property on behalf of the complainant after receiving the $150,000.
