Two footballers and an okada rider have avoided a custodial sentence after refunding GH¢38,450 they fraudulently obtained from a trader through an electronic money scam.

The Assin Fosu District Court convicted Francis Appiah, 24, Emmanuel Oteng, 24, also known as Flow Delli, and Emmanuel Antwi, 21, all residents of Assin Breku, for defrauding a 26-year-old trader, Shalean Stella Bamfo.

The court, presided over by His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu, ordered the three to refund the full amount, which they subsequently did.

Prosecutors said Appiah called the complainant on July 21, 2026, and falsely claimed he had mistakenly sent money to her. He allegedly kept her on the phone and directed her to a mobile money merchant, where she was deceived into transferring GH¢38,450 through e-cash to three MTN numbers.

Investigations by the Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit led to the arrest of the three suspects at their hideout in Assin Breku.

In delivering his ruling, the judge noted that the convicts were first-time offenders and cautioned them against engaging in criminal activities again.

He warned that any future offence could result in imprisonment and urged them to pursue legitimate means of earning a living.

The court also commended the Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit for its efforts in tackling cybercrime in the region.