By Daniel Bampoe
Veteran Ghanaian Actor, Samuel Seth Karikari, popularly known as Koo Ofori, has been arrested and taken into police custody over allegations of fraud involving a U.S.-based Ghanaian medical doctor.
The arrest follows multiple failed court appearances and a bench warrant issued by the Dansoman District Court.
Koo Ofori, aged 55 and best known for his role in the popular Efiewura TV series, is facing charges stemming from a land transaction dating back to 2021.
According to court records, he allegedly defrauded Dr. Emy Oduro-Burton, a medical practitioner residing in the United States, of US$50,000, approximately GH¢309,000, under false pretenses.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, stated that the accused convinced the complainant that he had identified a full plot of land measuring 70×100 feet at Spintex in Accra, which he could purchase for her intended building project.
Trusting the information, Dr. Oduro-Burton transferred the stated amount into Koo Ofori’s Consolidated Bank dollar account for the supposed acquisition.
However, investigations revealed that the accused used only GH¢170,000 of the funds to purchase a half plot of land from a witness in the case, Kwaku Danso — the rightful owner.
The remaining funds were unaccounted for. The complainant only discovered the discrepancy after returning to Ghana to inspect the land and realizing the property did not match the initial agreement, both in size and price.
Following several unsuccessful attempts to retrieve her money, Dr. Oduro-Burton lodged a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service.
Koo Ofori was subsequently arrested and, during interrogation, reportedly admitted to the offence in a caution statement.
After investigations concluded, the accused was served with a court summons to appear on April 17, 2025.
However, he failed to honour the summons. The prosecution’s initial request for a bench warrant was denied, and the case was adjourned to April 23. Once again, Koo Ofori failed to appear.
At that point, Chief Inspector Wonder renewed his request for a bench warrant, which was granted.
Koo Ofori was finally arrested and brought before the Dansoman District Court on Friday, May 9.
However, court proceedings did not take place as the court was not sitting. As a result, he remains in police custody and is expected to reappear before the court on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The arrest of such an entertainment figure has sent ripples through the public, raising broader questions about trust, accountability, and celebrity influence.
