Kumasi: A 33-year-old businessman has been sentenced to 22 months imprisonment with hard labor for defrauding his landlord of GHC255,930.00 under the pretext of securing a modern Honda Civic 4x4 vehicle.
According to Ghana News Agency, the convict, Gabson Frimpong, admitted to the offense and was convicted on his own plea. The prosecuting officer, Police Chief Inspector Christian Amartey, detailed that the complainant, Mr. Peter Kitile Yeboah, a businessman residing in Pakyi No. 2 near Kumasi but based in Ivory Coast, was deceived by his former tenant, Frimpong. Frimpong claimed that he dealt in home-used cars and needed assistance after a customer absconded with his capital.
The court heard that Frimpong persuaded Mr. Yeboah to allow him to sell his 2010 Honda Civic 4x4 vehicle with the promise of upgrading it to a 2012 model. Touched by Frimpong's plight, Mr. Yeboah agreed and handed over the vehicle and its documents. Frimpong subsequently sold the vehicle for GHC55,000.00 and convinced Mr. Yeboah's daughter, Anastasia Kitile Yeboah, to give him GHC95,000.00.
Frimpong continued to request additional funds, and between September 21 and October 21, 2024, he collected various sums totaling GHC255,930.00, including the proceeds from the car sale. He then informed Mr. Yeboah that he was traveling to Togo to acquire the promised 2012 Honda model. However, Frimpong failed to deliver on his promise and later claimed he was duped by two Nigerians in Togo.
Despite several attempts to reach him, Frimpong became unreachable until he was arrested by Police Abuakwa for similar crimes. His arrest led to his identification by Mr. Yeboah, prompting a transfer to the Police at Pakyi for investigation. During questioning, Frimpong admitted to the crime in the presence of an independent witness.