Monalisa Abigail Semeha, popularly known as Mona Gucci, has been acquitted and discharged by an Accra Circuit Court after being accused of defrauding a trader of GH₵103,400.
The ruling, delivered by Mr. Isaac Addo, declared the case a “civil matter” gone bad, thereby exonerating the accused.
The allegations: visa deal gone wrong
Mona Gucci, a Travel and Event Consultant, was accused of collecting GH₵103,400 from Comfort Obiri, a trader, to secure American visas for her clients.
The transaction allegedly took place in February 2019.
The complainant claimed that Mona had promised to secure the visas at a cost of GH₵40,000 each but failed to deliver.
The complainant also introduced three individuals to Mona for visa acquisition, resulting in the total amount being handed over to the accused.
According to the prosecution, Mona later promised to refund the money but was unable to fulfill that promise, prompting legal action.
Defence counters prosecution’s case
Charged with defrauding by false pretenses, Mona pleaded not guilty. During the trial, the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, presented three witnesses to support its case.
However, the Defence Counsel filed a submission of no case, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Mona. This argument swayed the court, which ultimately ruled in her favor.
Judge’s verdict: A civil matter
Presiding Judge Mr. Isaac Addo, in his ruling, emphasized that the dispute between the parties was essentially a civil matter and not criminal fraud.
The court subsequently acquitted and discharged Mona Gucci of all charges.
Background to the Case
The saga began when Comfort Obiri, a resident of Ofankor in Accra, was introduced to Mona by one Esther in February 2019. Mona, who resides in Odorkor, Accra, had been presented as someone capable of securing U.S. visas.
After collecting the funds but failing to deliver the visas, Mona allegedly assured the complainant of a refund, which never materialized. This led to the filing of the criminal complaint that was dismissed by the court.
Mona Gucci’s legal victory
With the court’s ruling, Mona Gucci walks free from the charges that have loomed over her since 2019. The verdict underscores the importance of distinguishing between civil and criminal matters in legal disputes.
This ruling brings closure to a four-year legal battle, leaving the complainant to explore other avenues for recourse.
