Crime & Punishment of Monday, 12 July 2004

Source: GNA

Trader jailed one year for impersonation

Elmina, July 12 GNA- The Elmina Magistrate Court, has jailed a 34 year-old trader who posed as a Police Officer for one year. Moses Akapho who hails from Dominase near Komenda, pleaded guilty to the offence and was bonded to be of good behaviour for two years, or in default four years imprisonment.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Joshua Eduful, told the Court presided over by Mr Kwame Ohene-essel that at 1925 hours on June 29,2004, the accused introduced himself to the Complainant- Mr Joseph Arkoful, a Video Operator as a police officer, attached to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) who is on special duties.

Akapho told the complainant he was investigating a case involving stolen electrical gadgets, and ordered Arkoful to accompany him to a guest house where he the accuse was lodging.

Inspector Eduful said, at the guesthouse, the Akapho asked the complainant to buy drinks for him, but Mr Arkoful refused. He however managed to extort money from the complainant later. He said Akapho also introduced himself to the Proprietor of the guesthouse as a military officer and requested for free accommodation. Akapho was subsequently arrested and charged with the offence.