The Assin Fosu District Court in Ghana has granted bail to four suspects standing trial for the alleged kidnapping, torture, and extortion of a 30-year-old man, Bismark Amoh. The accused persons, Mavis Badu Acheampong, Oteng Barfour, Charles Doku, and Kenneth Opoku Kwarteng, were granted a cumulative GH¢320,000 bail. The court, presided over by His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu, set varying bail amounts for each suspect, with two sureties required for each.
According to the prosecution, led by ASP Wonder Lumor and Chief Inspector Gilbert Abagna Anyongo, Mr. Amoh was allegedly held hostage between September 6 and 11, 2026. During this period, he was subjected to severe torture while the suspects demanded GH¢45,000 from his family as ransom. The prosecution claims the suspects believed Mr. Amoh had defrauded Mavis Badu Acheampong, a teacher at Kumasi Girls Senior High School, of GH¢44,800.
Mavis Badu Acheampong, 42, a teacher, was granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties. Oteng Barfour, 31, an electrician, was also granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties. Charles Doku, 53, a security guard, was granted GH¢60,000 bail with two sureties, one of whom must be a public officer. Kenneth Opoku Kwarteng, also known as “Culture,” a teacher, was granted GH¢60,000 bail with two sureties, one of whom must be a public officer.
The case has been adjourned to October 23, 2026, for further mention. The four suspects are facing six charges, including kidnapping, conspiracy, threats of harm, causing harm, unlawful sharing of intimate images, and stealing. The prosecution's narrative suggests that the kidnapping was a retaliatory act against Mr. Amoh, who is alleged to have committed a MoMo fraud against Mavis Badu Acheampong.
Meanwhile, police are pursuing a fifth suspect who prosecutors say masterminded the kidnapping. The suspect, reportedly a senior military officer, is believed to be outside the country, and police efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him. This development suggests that the case may be more extensive than initially thought, with potential involvement of influential individuals.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing trend of kidnappings and fraud in Ghana. The Ghanaian police have been urged to intensify efforts to combat these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. The case has garnered significant attention from the public and the media, with many calling for swift justice for the victim.
The suspects' lawyers applied for bail, which was granted by the court. The case will continue on October 23, 2026, and it is expected that further evidence will be presented to the court. The Ghanaian justice system will be closely watching the case, as it involves allegations of kidnapping, torture, and extortion.
Key points
- The Assin Fosu District Court granted bail to four suspects accused of kidnapping and torturing a 30-year-old man, Bismark Amoh, allegedly over a MoMo fraud.
- The suspects were granted a cumulative GH¢320,000 bail, with varying amounts set for each individual.
- Police are pursuing a fifth suspect, a senior military officer believed to have masterminded the kidnapping, who is reportedly outside the country.
