In a recent court appearance, Bless Agbenyenu, a 27-year-old teacher, found himself facing charges for impersonating the Member of Parliament (MP) of Akan Constituency and defrauding a resident of Kadjebi in the Oti Region, Joseph Ahianse. The court sentenced Agbenyenu to a fine of 100 penalty units (GH¢1,200) and a signed Bond of good behavior, or in default, he would serve a 90-day jail term. The charges were related to defrauding by false pretense, as Agbenyenu posed as the MP and solicited applications for supposed security service positions through a Facebook advertisement. The court heard that the complainant, Mr. Ahianse, fell victim to the scam, losing GH¢250 in the process.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Nunoo Mensah, prosecuting the case, explained that Agbenyenu's fraudulent scheme involved pretending to be the Akan MP, enticing applicants with the promise of protocol allocation for those interested in joining the security services. During the court proceedings, Agbenyenu admitted guilt with an explanation plea, stating that it was just an attempt and a first-time offense. He appealed to the court for leniency, expressing remorse and highlighting the potential impact on his family, particularly his four-year-old son's future.
Magistrate Joseph Evans Anang Okropa presided over the case and, while acknowledging Agbenyenu's remorse and status as a first-time offender, emphasized that the attempt itself constituted guilt under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The court cautioned the public against engaging in online transactions to avoid falling victim to scams and fraud.
Impersonation and fraud are serious offenses with far-reaching consequences for both the perpetrators and the victims. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct, especially in online interactions where individuals may be more susceptible to deception. It also underscores the need for individuals to exercise caution and due diligence when engaging in any form of online transactions.
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, it is crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. By staying informed and exercising prudence, we can protect ourselves and others from falling prey to fraudulent schemes. Let this case be a lesson for us all to prioritize integrity and honesty in our actions, both online and offline.
-By Kobby Kakra Adortey | Ghana Crimes
