An alleged National Security operative at the Jubilee House, Joseph Agemba, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly collecting GHC1,096,500 from 46 people under the false pretense of securing them employment in the Ghana Security Services.
Agemba, who is also a trader, is accused of failing to deliver on his promises.
In addition to the security service recruitment scam, Agemba is also said to have taken money from two individuals under the pretext of securing them USA and German visas, but again failed to follow through.
Furthermore, Agemba allegedly collected additional money from complainant Patience Solomon to secure her an auctioned car but failed to deliver on that promise as well.
He faces seven counts of defrauding by false pretense. The court did not take his plea, as prosecution led by Chief Jonas Lawer (who was standing in for Assistant Superintendent of Police Richard Amoah) informed the court that more victims were coming forward with complaints.
The prosecution requested that Agemba be remanded into police custody. The court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, agreed, noting the serious nature of the allegations and the need to prevent interference with ongoing investigations. Agemba is set to reappear on December 27, 2024.
According to the prosecution, Patience Solomon, an Immigration officer, was first approached by Agemba in November 2023 after being informed by her husband that Agemba, a senior brother to the accused, was an alleged National Security operative at the Jubilee House and had access to a protocol slot for recruitment into various security agencies.
Agemba confirmed he could assist with securing positions in the Ghana Police Service, Immigration, Prisons, Armed Forces, and the Ghana Revenue Authority, for a fee ranging from GHC7,000 to GHC22,000.
Solomon then convinced other acquaintances to pay for similar enlistments. In total, GHC1,931,000 was collected from 48 individuals for the purported enlistments.
In addition to the recruitment scam, Agemba also took GHC54,000 for the auctioned vehicle deal and GHC87,000 from two individuals for visa processing, which he did not fulfil.
Alarmed by the repeated failures, the complainant reported Agemba to the police, leading to his arrest.