It appears from all indications that Nana Okurofrobour Asumani Ababio II, the Chief of Asante Akyem Hwediem, who is now at the center of a major visa fraud scandal, has evaded justice by playing hide and seek with the court.
He is currently standing trial for defrauding by false pretense at the Asofan District Court in Greater Accra.
Known in his private life as Bismark Asumani, the chief has gone into hiding after being accused of defrauding 28 individuals of more than GHC207,500, including $8,600 in foreign currency and additional passport fees of GHC7,500.
The fraudulent scheme, which unfolded in June 2023 in Accra’s Ayawaso district near Pokuase, preyed on people seeking to secure visas to Canada, the USA, and Denmark.
Many victims, who believed they were on the verge of a new life abroad, have been left devastated by the scam.
Nana Okurofrobour and his associate, Randy Asante Anderson, allegedly orchestrated the con through their business, Royal Nakaa Ventures.
Using a combination of bank transfers and in-person meetings at locations like West Hills Mall and the victims’ homes, the pair convinced individuals to part with large sums of money.
Evidence, including a video showing Randy Asante Anderson accepting cash in a brown envelope, has surfaced, further implicating the duo in the crime.
Following the scam, both men disappeared, cutting off all communication with their victims.
Nana Okurofrobour has reportedly abandoned his palace in Agogo, locked his social media accounts, and blocked all contacts, effectively vanishing without a trace.
The Asofan District Court in Greater Accra has summoned both men to face charges of defrauding by false pretense under Section 131 (1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
However, they have failed to appear in court, frustrating efforts to bring them to justice.
Victims of the scheme, who remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal, recounted how they were convinced by the chief’s status and promises.
Their hopes of a better future abroad were shattered when they realized they had been deceived.
Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Nana Okurofrobour and Randy Anderson, but as of now, their whereabouts remain unknown.
The once-respected chief is now a fugitive, leaving behind a trail of broken dreams and financial ruin.
