Nigerian Suspect Promise Kuasi Oniwor Involved in Gold Scam

by Delali Adogla-Bessa

A Norwegian man, Frisvold Geir Ivar Ringstrom, was defrauded of GH¢16,000 and $1,000 in a gold scam allegedly orchestrated by Promise Kuasi Oniwor, a Nigerian national, and another unidentified accomplice. Oniwor, who was arrested in connection with the crime, has been granted bail of GH¢50,000.

Oniwor, also known by the aliases John or Jude Asaba Oghuvwu, faces charges of conspiracy to defraud by false pretenses under Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offenses Act of 1960. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The scam began in 2015 when Ringstrom first connected with Oniwor through Facebook. Oniwor reportedly persuaded Ringstrom that he was a gold miner and could supply him with gold. The Norwegian traveled to Ghana, where Oniwor allegedly offered to sell him gold at GH¢48,500 per kilogram.

On November 4, 2024, Ringstrom made an initial payment of GH¢15,000 and $1,000, after being convinced by Oniwor’s pitch. Further payments were planned but Ringstrom grew suspicious and reported the matter to the police, which led to Oniwor’s arrest. The second suspect, however, remains at large.

Oniwor’s case is currently ongoing, with the court proceedings continuing as authorities search for the remaining suspect involved in the scam.