Accra: The Dansoman Circuit Court has granted bail to actor Samuel Seth Karikari, known as Koo Ofori from the Efiawura Series, setting the bail amount at GHC320,000 with three sureties to be justified. This decision followed Karikari's not guilty plea to charges of defrauding by false pretences.
According to Ghana News Agency, the court also imposed conditions requiring Karikari to surrender his Ghana Card at the court registry and to report to the police monthly. The case has been adjourned until June 25, 2025, with instructions for the prosecution to file disclosures for a Case Management Conference.
The charges against Karikari involve allegations of defrauding Dr Emy Oduro-Burton of $50,000, equivalent to GHC309,000, purportedly for the purchase of a land parcel in Spintex, Accra. Previously, the court had issued a bench warrant for Karikari's arrest due to his failure to appear.
Appearing in court with his lawyer, Derrick Aboagye Asamoah, the bench warrant was rescinded after the defence argued that Karikari's absence was not intended as disrespect to the court. The defence stated that Karikari was outside the court's jurisdiction at the time of his absence.
The trial judge rescinded the warrant and allowed Karikari's plea to be recorded. The defence counsel argued for bail, asserting that Karikari was not a flight risk, had a permanent residence in Nungua, and was committed to attending the trial. The counsel also emphasized that Karikari was presumed innocent until proven guilty and had already repaid part of the money, with $15,000 remaining.
The defence further contended that the court lacked jurisdiction over what they argued was a contractual and civil matter between the complainant and the accused.
Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, leading the prosecution, did not oppose the bail but requested conditions ensuring Karikari's attendance in court. The prosecution detailed that Dr Emy Oduro-Burton, based in the United States, was told by Karikari in 2021 about a plot of land at Spintex available for purchase. The complainant transferred $50,000 to Karikari's account for the land, but later discovered the land was only half the size and valued at GHC170,000, contrary to Karikari's claims.
Efforts by Dr Oduro-Burton to recover the funds were unsuccessful, leading to the police report. During investigations, Karikari admitted to the offence in his caution statement.
