Story by: Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack, Rich FM, Assin Fosu
The District Court Judge of Nyankumase Ahenkuro in the Assin South District of the Central Region, His Worship Peter Anongdare, has praised the Cybercrime Unit of the Central North Regional Police Command for their diligence in investigating and prosecuting electronic fraud cases.
His commendation came after he delivered judgment in a case involving two young men who defrauded a student of the Assin Fosu College of Education of GH¢7,070.00, funds meant for the victim’s school fees.
The convicts, Ishmael Donkoh, 22, and Emmanuel Adjei Anokye, 21, were arrested by officers from the Cybercrime Unit and arraigned before the court on charges of falsely obtaining electronic payment and stealing. They pleaded guilty to the charges.
In his ruling, His Worship Anongdare sentenced the two to a bond of good behaviour for four years, warning that a breach of the bond would result in a two-year custodial sentence for each count, to run concurrently.
The judge commended the Cybercrime Unit for their effective work, noting that this case was just one of several successful prosecutions resulting from their investigations.
He stated that the officers are doing a marvellous job and deserve commendation. He added that the unit has brought multiple electronic fraud cases to the court, and their professionalism has led to several convictions.
He further revealed his intention to personally recommend the officers for promotion, citing the difficulty of investigating cyber fraud and the relief their work brings to victims, especially as stolen funds are often recovered.
The judge also advised the convicts and other young people to avoid criminal activities and focus on their education for a better future.
The convicts’ lawyer, ACP (Rtd) Johnson Owusu Agyemang, Esq., had earlier pleaded for leniency, citing the accused as first-time offenders and students.
Following the ruling, the convicts were made to refund the full amount of GH¢7,070.00 and reimburse all expenses incurred by the complainant.
