Crime

Three Nigerians Arrested in Ghana for Human Trafficking; Seven Victims Rescued

Published by admin on October 11th, 2025.

Three Nigerians Arrested in Ghana for Human Trafficking; Seven Victims Rescued

Authorities in Ghana have successfully busted a human trafficking and cyber fraud ring operating in Peace Land, Ashaiman, Tema. During the operation, seven Nigerian nationals who had been held captive were rescued, and three suspects were taken into custody.

The Tema Regional Police Command released a statement on Friday, October 10, 2025, confirming the incident.

The operation was conducted by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on Tuesday, October 7, around 4:00 p.m.

The suspects arrested were identified as Peter Okoye, 36, a computer engineer, alongside Jolly Ezekiel, 30, and Jolly Shadrack, 33.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had deceived their victims, promising them construction jobs in Tema to lure them from Nigeria. Instead, the victims were confined in a house at Peace Land, Ashaiman, where they were forced into cyber fraud schemes.

The victims endured harsh treatment, including physical abuse and being made to swear loyalty oaths to their captors. Those who resisted were isolated in a cramped room measuring approximately 10 by 12 feet, deprived of food, hygiene, and freedom for several months.

Each victim was equipped with a laptop and coerced into fabricating fake romantic relationships with people abroad to scam money. The syndicate reportedly operated with more than ten laptops, with senior members overseeing the fraudulent activities and benefiting financially.

During a follow-up search of the suspects’ home, the police recovered multiple laptops, routers, mobile phones, household items, and food supplies. These items have been seized as evidence to support the ongoing investigation. Mobile phones were sent to the Cyber Crime Unit at Police Headquarters in Accra for detailed forensic analysis.

The suspects were arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court, led by H/W Derick Parden Eshun, on October 9, 2025. Their requests for bail were denied, and they were remanded in police custody, with their next court appearance set for October 23, 2025.

They are facing charges including conspiracy to commit crimes, specifically human trafficking.

The rescued victims, who had been detained for nearly eight months, are now receiving medical and psychological care.

The Tema Regional Police Commander assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that the Command is collaborating closely with the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure the safe return and reintegration of the victims back into their families in Nigeria.

“The Command remains dedicated to protecting public safety and calls on the community to report any suspicious human trafficking or cybercrime activities promptly to aid the fight against organized criminal networks,” the statement concluded.