Police in South Sudan's Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have arrested a 38-year-old Sudanese man accused of defrauding a woman of $5,000. The suspect, Yaqub Mohammed Musa, from Nyala in Sudan's South Darfur State, was arrested in Aweil on Thursday evening. According to Col. Madut Ngong, the state police spokesperson, Musa allegedly received the money earlier this year from a South Sudanese woman identified as Ayak Dhieu.
Musa allegedly claimed he could increase the money through supernatural means. He later told the woman that additional work was required and that he needed to travel to Wau, the capital of neighbouring Western Bahr el Ghazal State. A relative of the woman accompanied Musa on the trip, but Musa allegedly disappeared after they arrived in Wau. The relative returned to Aweil the following day, prompting the woman's family to report the matter to police.
Police registered a case under Article 341 of South Sudan's Penal Code and began investigating the allegations. Musa was arrested after returning to Aweil from Sudan. "The money was not found," Ngong said, adding that police had received reports that Musa may have taken money from other people, although no further cases had been formally registered.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Police Commissioner Major General Gabriel Guet confirmed the arrest and said Musa would be taken to court after the investigation. He urged residents to be wary of people claiming to possess powers to multiply money. Guet's warning comes as a reminder to the public to be cautious of such scams.
Musa denied promising to turn ordinary paper into money, saying he was a traditional healer who had treated Dhieu for various illnesses, including high blood pressure and diabetes. He acknowledged receiving $5,000 from the woman but said the money was intended to buy medicine. Musa's account of the events differs significantly from the allegations made by the police.
Musa said he travelled to Wau with the woman's son and husband to obtain one of the remedies before returning to Aweil. He said a further disagreement arose when he told Dhieu that another item, which he described as a perfume, was needed, but she said she had no money left. Musa denied using charms to multiply money and said the dispute concerned an outstanding payment.
Police said investigators found pieces of paper cut into small sections and stored in a container at a place where Musa had been staying. Musa remains under investigation in Aweil. The case highlights the need for vigilance in communities where such scams may occur.
Key points
- A 38-year-old Sudanese man was arrested in Aweil for allegedly defrauding a woman of $5,000.
- The suspect claimed he could multiply money through supernatural powers.
- The case was registered under Article 341 of South Sudan's Penal Code.
