Court detains Governor Sonko’s Imposter for five days

A Nairobi court has detained an imposter who has been conning people using Governor Mike Sonko’s name for five days.

Geoffrey Mandela who is accused of conning people using pseudo-social media accounts will be detained pending the conclusion of investigations.

Mandela appeared before Milimani Principal Magistrate Martha Nanzushi who allowed detectives from City Hall Directorate of Criminal Investigation application to continue holding him at Central Police Station to complete the probe.

Mandela who was termed a ring leader of the syndicate was arrested on Monday at a city hotel where he had gone to collect Sh80,000 from one of his victims.

While seeking more time, Corporal Urbanus Munguti attached to DCI City Hall informed the court that he is conducting investigations into alleged offenses of conspiracy to defraud members of the public by issuing them with forged Nairobi County government official documents.

He said they need more time complete investigations including search of the suspect premises, analysis of his mobile phone in which documents were sent to cybercrime unit, analysis of his email and social media account, interrogation and recording statements of witnesses connecting the suspect with other cases under investigation among others.

Police said they are yet to record a statement from Mandela, a resident of Lamu County and other witnesses who are former county employees.