Journalist arraigned over fraud charge

Four persons including a journalist have appeared before a Kumasi Circuit Court for allegedly trying to swindle the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Peace and Love Hospital.

Timothy Antwi-Otoo, the Journalist,  who claims he works with Accra-based Atinka FM Radio Station, Mike Osei Bobbie Kesse, Records Officer of the Hospital, Prince Kwarteng and Awuni Azure, both musicians have been accused of trying to swindle the CEO, Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai; of GH¢ 300, 000.

They were charged with conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretence and stealing.

They all pleaded not guilty and were ordered by the court, presided over by Mr John Ekow Mensah, to be held in prison custody to make their next appearance on, May 18.

Their accomplice, who was named as Marcus Kofi Otabil is on the run.

Superintendent Emmanuel A. Akunnor said Kesse informed the other accused persons that the hospital’s branch in Accra was operating fraudulently under the National Health Insurance Scheme because it had not been accredited.

They consequently hatched a plot to blackmail the CEO, a renowned breast cancer awareness campaigner, to pay the amount mentioned.

Kesse was prevailed upon to steal some patients’ files, to provide them with the needed leverage.

The prosecution said the stolen files were given to Otabil and that emboldened him, to call to threaten Dr Addai on phone to part with the quoted amount or get the information leaked.

He also gave a Merchant Bank account number into which the cash should be deposited.

The CEO informed the police and she baited them with an arranged meeting at Assin-Manso to get things sorted.

Kwarteng and Azure showed up on the appointed day and as the money was handed over, the police moved in to arrest them.