Kenneth Asamoah, a trader who allegedly forged the signature of a Prudential Bank customer to defraud the customer of 38 million cedis appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on Monday.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charges of stealing and forgery was admitted to a bail of 80 million cedis with two sureties and is to re-appear on September 10, 2007 for hearing.

The accused, who is a resident of Abeka on August 13, 2007 stole a cheque leaflet of the Prudential Bank with account No.001006357008 belonging to one English Ali Kadiri. He then sent the cheque covering the amount of 38 million cedis to the Ecobank, Dansoman Branch for clearance and cashing.

Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) George Abavelin said the complainant, Anna C. Taylor is a banker whiles the accused is a trader residing at Abeka.

He said on Aug. 13, 2007, the accused presented a Prudential Bank cheque No.001006357008 dated August 9, 2007 with the face value of 38 million cedis in the name of Ali Kadiri through Ecobank, Dansoman Branch for clearing.

Before clearing the cheque, the complainant, who is the manager of Prudential Bank examined the features on the cheque and also checked the drawer's signature with the signature of the customer English Ali Kadiri and noticed some irregularities.

He said when the customer was invited, he denied any knowledge about the cheque.

He said the accused was arrested and handed over to the police who, after searching him, found several other cheques hidden in his socks.

Source: GNA