Fake Protocol Officer in court for defrauding

Accra May 28, GNA - A 48 year-old Trader, who misrepresented herself as a Protocol Officer of Parliament, was on Friday put before a Circuit Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding two persons of 42.8 million cedis under the pretext of securing them United States and United Kingdom visa's.

Innocentia Akpene Kudoto, who was charged with two counts of defrauding by false pretences, pleaded not guilty and the Court chaired by Mrs Elizabeth Ankomah remanded her in prison custody for further investigations for her to reappear on June 4.

Police Chief Inspector George Abavelim told the Court that the complainants Nana Ama Ansah and Richard Twereboah are siblings. The Police said Innocentia used to visit Nana Ama Ansah's Communication Centre to make her telephone calls.

Between October and November last year, during one of her visits, Innocentia introduced herself as Protocol Officer at Parliament responsible for travels of Members of Parliament. Prosecution said Innocentia further told the complainants that a trip that would enable people to travel outside was being organized and she could assist them if they were interested.

Subsequently, Nana Ansah and Twereboah paid 25 million cedis and 17.85 million cedis, respectively. Innocentia after taking the money began telling them stories and the matter was reported to the Police. 28 May 04