Seven young men have been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly operating a fake online food business, duping customers and violating consumer trust.
The accused persons are Obed Selsasi Agboli, Elliot Sotama Atsu, Elijah Sotama Etse, Jethro Atsu, Godsway Dunyo, Wonder Sakpiti, and Matthew Aheto
In court on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, they pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, stealing, and defrauding by false pretenses.
According to the Ghana Police Service’s Cybercrime Unit, the arrests followed a series of complaints and intelligence reports about suspicious online food platforms operating in and around Sogakope.
On October 1, 2025, officers apprehended Godsway Dunyo, Wonder Sakpiti, and Matthew Aheto at a residence in Sogakope following further investigations.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of four additional suspects, Obed Selasi Agboli, Elliot Sotama Atsu, Elijah Sotama Atsu, and Jethro Atsu on October 10 at PK’s Luxury Apartment in Haatso, Accra.
According to the court these individuals are believed to be the masterminds behind the scheme.
The suspects allegedly created fake websites and social media pages impersonating popular food brands such as Papaye, Pizzaman Chickenman, KFC, and Mawarko.
Victims who encountered these fraudulent platforms placed food orders and were instructed to make advance payments via mobile money. However, no food was ever delivered.
In a more inauspicious twist, victims were sent verification links during the payment process but once clicked, these links granted the suspects unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts linked to their mobile money wallets, resulting in the illicit withdrawal of funds.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a total of GH¢91,100 was siphoned from the accounts of Kennedy Owusu Junior, Millicent Acheampong, Daniel Owusu Agyei, Joy Addae-Madzi, and Hannah Adutwumwaa Ankomah.
During the police operation, 28 assorted mobile phones suspected to have been used in the fraudulent activities were retrieved. These devices are currently undergoing digital forensic analysis to identify additional victims and gather further evidence.
Several complainants were present in court to testify against the accused.
Defense counsel appealed for bail, arguing that the suspects were not flight risks and would cooperate fully with the judicial process. He cited Proverbs 10:11 from the Bible to support his plea.
However, Chief Inspector Abel Amani, the prosecutor, opposed the bail request, urging the court to remand the suspects to allow for continued investigation.
The trial judge sided with the prosecution and ordered that all seven accused be remanded into police custody.
The case has been adjourned to November 18, 2025, with instructions for the prosecution to file all disclosures ahead of the case management conference.
Contributor Juliet Arhinful
