Money charmer in police grip

The Madina Police have arrested a 24-year-old driver from Assin Fosu, Kwaku Asare who claims to be a magician/spiritualist, for allegedly causing his victim's GH¢1,500 to vanish into thin air under the pretext of doubling the money.

The suspect was said to have promised the complainant, Kwame Armah that he could double the said amount, but only succeeded in turning the money into pieces of paper.

The suspect, when arrested, however insisted that he was capable of doubling money and that the complainant hired him to do that.

Indeed at the police station, the suspect demonstrated to DAILY GUIDE how he could make money vanish and reappear.

Narrating the incident to this paper at the Madina Police Station, the Divisional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Beatrice Amoako said Armah, a cement block manufacturer at Madina Samampom, had a call from a friend who wanted to buy some cement blocks.

The customer was directed to come to the factory for further discussion on the business, and when coming, he brought the suspect along.

C/Supt. Amoako stated that the friend introduced Asare to Armah as a spiritualist who could help him (Armah) in his endeavours.

She said immediately after the introduction, the suspect started talking about some evil forces which he said were responsible for the woes of Armah.

According to the Crime Officer, the suspect warned Armah that if he did not take immediate steps to cast out the evil forces, his life and business would be in danger.

Complainant was said to have been alarmed by the 'revelation' and thus asked the suspect to help him.

The suspect, according to C/Supt. Amoako, told the complainant to bring all monies he had in his possession for a special prayer to be offered on them.

The complainant was said to have brought some cedi notes and some dollars totaling GH¢1,500 and he was told by the suspect to put the monies in an envelope, together with a broomstick. Armah complied and suspect feverishly started praying over the items.

C/Supt. Amoako indicated that Asare, after the prayers, warned the complainant not to open the envelope immediately but wait for him (Asare) to go first.

After what seemed to be 30 minutes or more, the complainant opened the envelope only to find out that the money had turned into pieces of paper.

Mr. Armah, who was said to have become hysterical, combed the area for the suspect but did not find him and so reported the matter to the Madina Police.

Luck however smiled at him when he spotted the suspect at the Madina Zongo Junction and with the help of a policeman on duty at the area, the suspect was arrested and sent to the Madina Police Station.

Asare had since denied the allegation, and said the complainant contracted him to double his money for him which he agreed to do.

According to the suspect, he charged GH¢150 as his 'consultation' fee and that he was good at such spiritual feats.

C/Supt. Amoako said the police were investigating the matter after which the suspect would be arraigned before court if found culpable.