A 20-year-old washing bay attendant, Alex Cobbina, also known as Mobitel, has been fined GH₵12,000 by an Accra Circuit Court for impersonating a military officer in a TikTok video.
Cobbina, who pleaded guilty to charges of falsely pretending to be a public officer and possessing military uniforms, was handed a three-year prison sentence in default of the fine.
An additional fine of GH₵6,000 or two years of hard labor was imposed for possessing military accoutrements, with both sentences to run concurrently.
TikTok Video Triggers Arrest
The case began on December 9, 2024, when the Chief of Naval Staff noticed a TikTok video of Cobbina wearing military camouflage trousers and a naval vest, discussing President Mahama’s comments about protocol recruits in the armed forces.
Following surveillance, Cobbina was arrested at Madina, Accra, and handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Cobbina’s Defense
During investigations, Cobbina claimed he obtained the military uniforms from a soldier client who had left them in his car after a wash.
He explained that he posted the video out of concern for schoolmates who might be affected by the President’s statement but deleted it the following day.
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Military items, including camouflage trousers, a naval vest, a camouflage mask, and boots, were retrieved from his residence in Apam during a search.
Sentencing
Presiding Judge Mr. Bright Samuel Acquah, who convicted Cobbina earlier this month, deferred sentencing to today. Chief Inspector Abel Amanie, leading the prosecution, highlighted the gravity of impersonating a public officer, emphasizing the potential consequences of such actions.
Cobbina’s fines and concurrent sentencing reflect the court’s stance against impersonation and misuse of military uniforms, a punishable offense under Ghanaian law.
