By Grace Zigah
A Cape Coast Circuit Court has remanded Patrick Nii Torto, also known as Dr. Patrick Nelson Ayittey, into police custody for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting Ghanaians under the pretense of securing Canadian visas and work permits.
The accused, who claimed to be a staffer at the Office of the Vice President and a captain in the Ghana Armed Forces, faces charges of defrauding by false pretences.
Court proceedings on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, were presided over by Nana Aba Quiaba Nunoo, who granted the police custody to the suspect to facilitate further investigations. Torto pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is expected to reappear in court on March 3, 2026.
According to police reports, Torto allegedly swindled his victims amounts ranging between GH₵5,325 and GH₵8,200, creating an illusion of influence by claiming connections with the Canadian High Commission in Ghana.
Investigations revealed that he operated between December 2025 and January 2026, repeatedly failing to refund money to defrauded individuals despite demands.
The police arrested Torto at his hideout in Abura, Cape Coast, following a complaint filed at the local police station on February 16, 2026.
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered approximately 10 Ghanaian passports, along with school certificates, birth certificates, and Ghana Cards. Authorities confirmed that the suspect is not a medical doctor, not affiliated with the Ghana Armed Forces, and has no connection with the Vice President’s Office or the Canadian High Commission.
Police have cautioned the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to facilitate foreign work permits or visas and to report suspicious activities immediately.
