ASHANTI REGION, Ghana — Abdul Munaf Lawal, 32, has been sentenced to 35 years imprisonment with hard labor for defrauding a victim of $50,000 under false pretenses, the Ashanti Regional Police Command announced.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs, the case dates back to July 2023 when Lawal allegedly collected $50,000 from a complainant, promising to convert the funds into Ghana Cedis. However, Lawal failed to return the equivalent amount and fled shortly after receiving the money.
Lawal was arrested in Accra on June 27, 2025, linked to a similar fraud case, and transferred to the Ashanti Regional Police Command. Further investigations connected him to the original $50,000 fraud.
He was charged and arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1, presided over by His Honour Mr. Fred Obikyere. Initially pleading not guilty, Lawal later changed his plea to guilty on September 3, 2025.
The prosecution disclosed that Lawal had a prior criminal record, having served 24 months in prison for theft.
