An Accra Circuit Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Mary Dede Doku, a 36-year-old administrator, accused of defrauding a businessman of $50,000. The warrant was issued after Doku failed to appear in court when the matter was called.

Doku is alleged to have collected $50,000 from the complainant in 2021 under the guise of purchasing a 2020 Range Rover Sport but failed to deliver the vehicle. Despite being charged with defrauding by false pretences, Doku did not attend the court hearing, with her counsel informing the court that she had travelled outside of Ghana.

The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Seth Frimpong, requested the bench warrant, stating that it was the first time they had heard of Doku's travel. The court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, granted the request and adjourned the case to March 27, 2024.

According to the prosecution, the complainant, Dennis Ahiable Isaac Owusu, had entrusted Doku with $50,000 to purchase the vehicle on his behalf. However, Doku failed to fulfill her promise and did not deliver the vehicle despite repeated demands.

Subsequently, Doku informed the complainant that the vehicle had been sold by the dealer and promised to refund the money. Although she refunded $20,000, she failed to repay the remaining $30,000. The complainant reported the case to the Auto Theft Unit of the Ghana Police Service in October 2022, leading to Doku's arrest.

During investigations, Doku admitted to receiving the money but claimed to have reported a case against her dealer in the United States. Despite the partial refund, the complainant's efforts to recover the outstanding amount proved unsuccessful.