Mr Jones Quaye, a contractor who defrauded a businessman by selling a plot of land at new Bortianor to two different developers for GH¢12,000.00 and GH¢15,000.00 respectively on Monday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
The accused has been charged with defrauding by false pretences contrary to section 131 at Act 29/60.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢ 20,000.00 with two sureties to be justified. The case has been adjourned to November 19, 2012.
The Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Samuel Sarkwa said the complainant, who is a businessman lives with the accused at Aplaku, a suburb of Accra.
He said in March 2012, the complainant met the accused and during conversation, the accused informed the complainant that he has a plot of land at New Bortianor for sale, which the complainant expressed interest in it.
He said the accused took the complainant to identify the land and negotiated the cost of the land at GH¢ 12,000.00.
Chief Inspector Sarkwa said the accused showed the complainant an indenture bearing the name of one Joshua Obuobi as the one whom he purchased the land from.
He said a full transfer had not yet been made into his name.
He said to show his commitment to purchase the land the accused demanded that the complainant must make part payment of GH¢ 5,000.00 and wait for the documents to be prepared for him.
Chief Inspector Sarkwa said as the complainant was waiting, he had information that the said land was being developed by someone. He rushed to the scene and met a (lady) developer who claimed ownership of the land.
He said when the complainant confronted the lady; she informed the complainant that the accused person sold the land to her at cost of GH¢ 15,000.00 and has since prepared documents for her.
He said the complainant confronted the accused about the issue and accused admitted re-selling the same land to the (lady) developer.
Chief Inspector Sarkwa said a complaint was made to the Police and accused was arrested.
He said during investigation it was revealed that the accused had re-sold the land but failed to refund the complainant's part payment to him.