Fake Naval Officer Charged With Impersonation

A man who allegedly specializses in wearing uniforms of Nigerian Navy to defraud unsuspecting public, huge sums of money has been arraigned before a Senior Magistrate Court Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The accused person, Mr. Sowari Finebone, is standing trial before a Senior Magistrate Court presided over by Mrs. Helen Hardy on a three count charge of impersonation, false pretence and illegal possession of Nigerian Navy belt.

The prosecuting police officer, Sergeant Jonas Rufus told the court that the accused person on the 8th of October, 2011 at NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt Magisterial District did pose himself as an officer of the Nigerian Navy.

The prosecution told the court that the accused also on the same date and place by false pretence and with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of six hundred and sixty five thousand naira (665,000.00) from one Mebom Noble to supply diesel (AGO) and food items to his shop.

He further told the court that Mr. Sowari Finebone also did have in his possession a Nigerian Navy web belt and pullover which according to him, the accused person could not give satisfactory account of it when interrogated. He stated that the offence committed were punishable under section 109 (a), 419 and 428 (a) of Criminal Code Cap 37 vol. II Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.

However, the accused person pleaded not guilty in all the charges brought against him.

The presiding magistrate, Mrs. Helen Hardy granted the accused person bail to the tune of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250,000.00) with two surety and adjourned the case to 22nd November, 2011.