Veteran Ghanaian actor Seth Kwabena Kyere Karikari, popularly known as Koo Fori, has been released from police custody after his arrest on Friday, May 9, 2025, for an alleged $50k fraud case.
In a TikTok video shared by comic actor and social media personality Nana Tonardo, Koo Fori was spotted at the pre-lunch party of Peekak Sardine at the premises of Accra-based broadcast station Bryt TV, where he works as the general manager.
In the video, the Efiewura TV series actor was in high spirits as he interacted with Tonardo and broke his silence on the recent controversy surrounding him.
Koo Fori failed to divulge any details concerning his arrest and the alleged fraud case. However, he noted, “At the right time, we shall address the issue properly.”
He appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court on Monday, 12 May, following his arrest by the Accra Central Police Command.
The actor has been charged with defrauding under false pretences and was granted bail to the sum of ₵320,000, with three sureties.
News of Koo Fori’s arrest emerged on Friday, May 9, 2025, after a video of the comic actor being escorted by police personnel to the premises of the Accra Central police command while in handcuffs on social media.
According to reports, the actor, renowned for his role as a drunkard in the popular Ghanaian local comedy-drama series Efiewura, was arrested for allegedly defrauding a US-based Ghanaian businessman of $50k.
It is alleged that Koo Fori received the hefty sum of money from a California-based Ghanaian individual under the guise of making a legitimate investment. Other reports also indicated that the actor allegedly took the money to purchase a piece of land.
However, Koo Fori allegedly failed to deliver on the promise and reportedly went into hiding after collecting the money.
Per reports, the victim, whose identity is unknown, reported the alleged fraud case to the authorities after several unsuccessful attempts to recover the funds from the Bryt TV general manager.
Koo Fori also allegedly defaulted on the repayment of the money and ignored a summons to appear before a judge at the Dansoman District Court on April 17, 2025. His refusal to heed the court’s summons led to a bench warrant for his arrest.
Koo Fori’s remarks after the arrest stirred reactions from netizens.
“Honestly, I was shocked and disappointed but am happy to see you, Koo 🤝🙏.”
Kaakamotobi
“Per the story, Koo Fori has not done anything wrong.”
Mr Ike
“Nobody hates you! Go and pay the 50k dollars.”
Bigger than life
“He is not ashamed! Nothing to address. You chopped the money. Pay up.”
SilentVoiceofG1
Koo Fori’s Lawyer Baffled About Court Appearance
Derick Aboagye Asamoah, the lawyer of Ghanaian actor Koo Fori, spoke about his client’s appearance in court over a $50,000 fraud case filed against him.
Mr Asamoah claimed that his client has already paid the $50,000 for which he has been charged.
Speaking to the media after court proceedings on May 12, 2025, Koo Fori’s lawyer noted that the Ghanaian actor used $50,000 to buy the land for the complainant.
“At that time, when the money came, it was GH¢230,000. He used GH¢160,000 to purchase the land. As at that time, the exchange rate was $1- GH5.5, so the amount he used was $30,000.”
The lawyer
The Lawyer explained that apart from that, Koo Fori paid $5,000 to the complainant.
“He paid $5,000 to the complainant, and the amount left was $15,000. The police are charging him $50,000, of which he has paid the amount in full.”
The lawyer
Mr Asamoah noted that he did not understand why the police were charging him for the $50,000. “And so I do not see why the police, knowing very well that the amount has been paid, and you are still charging the person for the figure that has been used to procure the land for the complainant,” the lawyer said.
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