Bailiff Jailed 4yrs For Forging Judge’s Signature

Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah has sentenced Kojo Budu Jackson, a 38-year-old private bailiff to four years in prison after he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in a forgery case involving judicial documents.

The prosecution, led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, revealed in court that Jackson forged a judicial document, a District Court Order for a Certificate of Divorce bearing the forged signature of His Worship K.B. Frempong, a former magistrate of the Ejisu District Court.

Jackson was charged under Count One: Forgery of Judicial Documents, contrary to Section 158(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended.

According to the brief facts presented, the Ghana Police Service received intelligence in June 2024, indicating that the accused and his accomplices, who are currently at large, were involved in the forgery of marriage and divorce certificates.

Surveillance was mounted, leading to Jackson’s arrest on August 13, 2024. A search of his residence uncovered several fraudulent documents, including affidavits for divorce and a forged Certificate of Divorce.

During police interrogation, Jackson admitted to the offence, explaining that he committed the act due to financial hardship and the urgent need to pay his rent.

Upon his guilty plea, the court convicted Jackson and sentenced him to four years imprisonment with hard labour for the primary offence of forgery. In addition, he was fined 200 penalty units (GH¢240,000).

If the fine is not paid within one month, he will serve an additional one year in prison, bringing the total sentence to six years.

Her Honour noted that forging judicial documents, particularly those bearing a judge’s signature, undermines public trust in the justice system and constitutes a serious felony in Ghana.

She emphasised the need for deterrent punishment, especially as investigation into Jackson’s accomplices continue.

The post Bailiff Jailed 4yrs For Forging Judge’s Signature appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

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