Nairobi Phone Repair Technician to Face Trial Over Alleged M-Kopa Phone Security Breach

A Nairobi-based mobile phone repair technician is set to face trial after the High Court dismissed his petition challenging his arrest and prosecution over allegations that he tampered with M-Kopa’s phone security systems to bypass payment restrictions.

The technician, identified as Benjamin Okello, is accused of manipulating smartphones acquired through M-Kopa’s credit financing arrangements, allegedly allowing users to access devices without meeting their repayment obligations.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Okello was linked to the alleged manipulation of 26 devices belonging to the financing company. Investigators reportedly discovered equipment at his repair shop in Mathare, with forensic analysis indicating that 365 phones had passed through the recovered equipment.

M-Kopa also presented its concerns before the High Court, claiming that 23 of the 29 phones identified following a raid on the technician’s premises had allegedly been modified to defeat the company’s payment security controls.

The financier further linked 18 devices valued at KSh303,487 to its credit arrangements. Of these, 17 were reportedly still under active loan agreements, raising concerns about the alleged interference with its financing system.

However, Okello disputed the allegations, maintaining that the phones found at his shop belonged to customers who had brought them in for repairs.

He argued that he had no knowledge of the financial arrangements between M-Kopa and the customers and should not be held responsible for devices brought to him in the ordinary course of his business.

The technician subsequently moved to court to challenge his arrest and prosecution, seeking to stop the criminal proceedings against him.

However, the High Court dismissed his petition, clearing the way for the case to proceed at the Makadara Law Courts.

The upcoming trial is expected to examine the allegations, forensic evidence and circumstances surrounding the recovered devices.

Okello remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a court of law.

SOURCE:https://www.instagram.com/p/DfmJSldkRnl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&cplk=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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