Crime

How Online Romance Scam Leads to Shocking Kidnapping, Bust in Nigeria

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 3rd, 2025.

How Online Romance Scam Leads to Shocking Kidnapping, Bust in Nigeria

Three Nigerian men have been arrested in connection with a transnational kidnapping operation that spanned Nigeria and Ghana, resulting in the successful rescue of two Ghanaian victims in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The arrests followed a report lodged with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja on April 27, 2025, concerning the disappearance of 48-year-old Ghanaian citizen Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo. Acting on this tip, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police launched a targeted operation on May 1, 2025.

The suspects — Peter Okoye, Paulinus Chidokwe (35), and Chinonso Okafor (35) — are believed to be part of a wider criminal syndicate involved in orchestrating abductions across both nations. Their activities were allegedly linked to an elaborate Facebook-based romance scam that led to Ms. Baidoo’s abduction.

A breakthrough in the case came with the arrest of 27-year-old Emeka Christian in Bolgatanga, Ghana. Christian reportedly admitted to collecting a ransom of GH₵10,000 for Ms. Baidoo, which he then funneled into a Nigerian bank account associated with Okoye.

Both Ms. Baidoo and another victim, Amaseerwaa Konadu, were rescued during the operation and have since received medical care after enduring severe conditions during their captivity.

The suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. Legal proceedings are expected once inquiries are concluded.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the coordinated efforts of both Nigerian and Ghanaian security agencies and reaffirmed the force’s dedication to combating cross-border criminal activities. The public has been urged to stay alert to online scams and to report suspicious behavior to the authorities.