Omanghana
The Ofaakor Circuit Court has remanded one suspect into police custody and granted bail to another following their arrest in connection with an alleged online vehicle sale scam that reportedly defrauded a victim of more than GH¢100,000.
The case, which was investigated by the Central East Regional Police Command, stems from a complaint involving a fraudulent car sale scheme allegedly conducted through the social media platform TikTok.
Two Suspects Arraigned
The accused persons appeared before the court on Monday, June 15, 2026, to face charges related to alleged online fraud and stealing.
The court ordered that Chidubem Oba, 31, who investigators describe as the principal suspect in the operation, be remanded into police custody while investigations continue.
His alleged accomplice, Ama Mankye, 28, was granted bail in the sum of GH¢70,000. The court stipulated that the bail must be secured by one surety backed by documented landed property.
Both suspects are expected to reappear before the court on June 29, 2026.
Police Outline Alleged Fraud Scheme
According to preliminary investigations by the Kasoa District Police Command, the suspects allegedly used TikTok to advertise vehicles for sale through professionally produced videos that portrayed the cars as legitimate listings offered at competitive prices.
Investigators say interested buyers who responded to the advertisements were allegedly contacted by individuals posing as genuine vehicle dealers. Victims were then persuaded to make a series of payments, including deposits and fees purportedly covering customs clearance and vehicle registration.
Police allege that after receiving the money, the suspects ceased communication with the buyer and removed or abandoned the online accounts used in the transaction.
The complainant in the case is reported to have transferred more than GH¢100,000 before realizing the alleged scheme and reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities.
Public Advised to Exercise Caution
Following the arrests, the Ghana Police Service has urged members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing vehicles or other high-value items through online platforms.
Authorities advise prospective buyers to avoid making substantial upfront payments for products they have not physically inspected and to verify ownership documents and registration details through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) before completing any transaction.
The police also encouraged the public to report suspicious online activities promptly to help combat the growing incidence of digital fraud and social media scams.
Source: Omanghana
