NEWS

80-Year-Old American Kidnapped in Ghana: Case Delayed

80-Year-Old American Kidnapped in Ghana: Court Adjourns Case to April 8

The trial of two Nigerians who are suspected of kidnapping an American woman who is 80 years old has been rescheduled for April 8, 2025. The suspects, Esther Ogbonna, a beautician, and Emmanuel Adedoyin Adebayor, a 28-year-old businessman, showed up in court handcuffed because they were unable to pay their GH₵500,000 bond requirements. Dennis Poromo, a third suspect, is still at large.

The victim, Diana Christine Nelson, arrived in Ghana on November 22, 2024, according to the prosecution. FBI officers at the U.S. Embassy in Accra notified the police about her kidnapping on December 6, 2024. Investigators found that she was detained in a hotel in Larteh Akwapim before being transferred to a home in Tema Community 11.

Adebayor was arrested on December 11, 2024, while trying to use her American ATM card to take money out of Nelson’s bank account. Later, he escorted police to the residence where she was being held captive. She was reportedly in a disturbed state and was brought to a hospital right away to receive medical attention.

Adebayor allegedly tricked the victim into visiting Ghana by pretending to be well-known American actor Mark Hammond. Her arrival was made possible by the second suspect, Esther, who first housed her at a residence in East Legon Hills before moving her to Tema Community 11. Nelson’s maintenance while in prison was Esther’s responsibility.

According to authorities, Nelson’s family was forced to pay a ransom of $150,000 after Adebayor and Poromo unlawfully took $15,821.70 out of her bank account. Along with her bank cards, the suspects also seized her four cell phones, including a Samsung Galaxy A15 and an iPhone 12. According to reports, Kwame Nkrumah Circle was the location of several of these sales.

Adebayor was found to have GH₵7,000 and GH₵4,000 that police believe were proceeds of illicit activities. The victim’s iPhone 12 is still gone, though.

Adebayor and Esther have entered a not guilty plea to the counts of abetment, stealing, kidnapping, and conspiracy to conduct a crime. As investigations proceed and authorities step up their efforts to find and capture Poromo, the case has been postponed until April 8, 2025.

This case underscores the increasing concerns about cyber-enabled crimes targeting foreign nationals and the need for vigilance when traveling abroad.

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

USEFUL LINKS

Source: GNA