Businessman jailed 22 months for defrauding landlord of GH¢255k

A 33-year-old businessman, Gabson Frimpong, has been sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment with hard labor after pleading guilty to defrauding his landlord of GH¢255,930 under the pretext of procuring a Honda CR-V 4x4 vehicle.

The Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court heard that the complainant, Peter Kitile Yeboah, a businessman based in the Ivory Coast but resident at Pakyi No.2 near Kumasi, had once rented out his property to Frimpong.

Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Christian Amartey, explained that between September 21 and October 21, 2024, Frimpong convinced his landlord that he dealt in used vehicles and needed financial support after a customer absconded with his capital.

He persuaded Yeboah to allow him to sell his Honda Civic 4x4 (2010 model) for GH¢55,000 and promised to add money to secure a 2012 Honda model for him. Frimpong later received GH¢95,000 from the complainant’s daughter, Anastasia, followed by additional amounts, bringing the total to GH¢255,930, including proceeds from the sold vehicle.

However, instead of delivering the promised car, Frimpong vanished, claiming later that two Nigerians had duped him in Togo. He ignored calls to return home and was eventually arrested by Abuakwa Police in connection with similar offences. His arrest, which went viral, led to his identification by Yeboah.

Frimpong confessed to the fraud in his police caution statement, made in the presence of an independent witness. The court convicted him on his own plea, handing down a custodial sentence meant to serve as a deterrent.