Some traditional authorities in Kumasi have slapped Kwadwo Billa, the self-acclaimed chief private investigator of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a heavy fine and ordered him to perform certain rituals.
Known in his malicious ploys as Kwadwo Amoampem, the middle-aged man, was busted last week by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) following complaints by some traditional authorities in Asanteman who are his victims.
At a press conference on May 22, 2024, following his failure to honour an invitation by the chiefs, the development was announced.
Crimes
Billa is alleged to have peddled disparaging and denigrating comments about some seven nobles of Asantehene, citing public ire towards them in the process.
He is said to have marshalled all available mediums including traditional and social media in defaming traditional authorities such as Otumfuo Buabasa Nana Aduboffuor Kwaw II, Pakyi number 1hene, Adumakaasekesehene, Sabronumhene, Donyinahene, Asutwehene and Jachiehene, falsely accusing them of engaging in illegal mining, illegal sale of land, multiple sale of land, embezzlement of funds, among others.
The suspect, following his arrest upon complaints to the NIB, was led to a traditional court headed by Otumfuo Saamanhene Nana Osei Kwaku III on Thursday, May 16, 2024, where all the victims were allowed to make their cases along with their evidence.
According to some of the victims, Billa visited their abodes, claiming he was sanctioned by Otumfuo to undertake some investigations.
At other times, he went about as a fetish priest and when he was once caught in his lies, he claimed he was a twin.
Upon interrogation by the traditional court, he admitted to his crimes and apologized to all his victims for his actions.
Fine
The suspect was expected to meet the chiefs at the residence of Saamanhene today; however, he failed to show up.
Addressing the press, Otumfuo Buabasa Nana Aduboffuor Kwaw II, said his denigration of nobles demanded that he purifies them with some rituals. In addition to that, he is expected to present some rams for sacrifice.
“He must come and perform all the requisite rites. After the rites, we will consider pardoning him for his crimes. For the fact that he falsely held himself out as a chief of Asantehene calls for fine of a ram and he has to purify those of us he defamed.”
In default, he will be banned from the Manhyia Palace perpetually. In the meantime, he is prohibited from stepping foot on the grounds of the Palace until he performs the rites.
Caution
Also addressing the press, Gyaakyehene Baffour Kwaku Amoateng IV warned the public against falling prey to his acts as he urged well-meaning Ghanaians to disregard his false and baseless claims against chiefs.
“He has defrauded many people through his false claims. One of them being an amount of GHc10,000. He does all this under the pretext of his coined ‘Otumfuo’s Chief Investigator’. One of his victims recently came here to report to us.”
According to him, Billa is an opportunist who plies his malicious trade in jurisdictions battered with discord.
He therefore warned, “When he visits you with that title, enquire about whom he swore his oath of allegiance to and the Division he belongs because all chiefs who swear allegiance to Otumfuo belong to a Division. Anyone who deals with him, does so at his own peril. I also entreat everyone to disregard his damning videos against chiefs.”
Source: Opemsuo