Three Nigerians Arrested in Ghana for Human Trafficking; Seven Victims Freed After Months in Captivity

Ghanaian authorities have successfully dismantled a human trafficking and cyber fraud network operated by three Nigerian nationals in Peace Land, Ashaiman, Tema, rescuing seven victims who had been held captive for months.

According to a statement issued by the Tema Regional Police Command on Friday, October 10, 2025, the coordinated operation was executed by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on Tuesday, October 7, around 4:00 p.m. Acting on intelligence, officers raided a residential building where the victims were being held and forced into online criminal activities.

The arrested suspects were identified as Peter Okoye (36), a computer engineer; Jolly Ezekiel (30); and Jolly Shadrack (33). Investigations revealed that the trio allegedly lured their victims from Nigeria to Ghana under the false promise of lucrative construction jobs in Tema. However, upon arrival, the victims were stripped of their freedom, beaten, and coerced into participating in cybercrime operations.

According to police findings, each victim was given a laptop and trained to conduct romance scams, targeting unsuspecting foreigners online. The victims were compelled to establish fake romantic relationships to solicit money, with the proceeds going to their captors. Those who resisted were confined in a small 10×12-foot room, denied food, water, and basic hygiene for extended periods.

Officers said the victims endured this ordeal for nearly eight months, during which they were subjected to physical abuse and forced to swear oaths of loyalty. The police retrieved several laptops, routers, mobile phones, and household items during the raid. The seized digital devices have been sent to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis.

Following their arrest, the three suspects were arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court, presided over by H/W Derick Parden Eshun, on October 9, 2025. They were remanded into police custody and are expected to reappear in court on October 23, 2025. The charges against them include Conspiracy to Commit Crime and Human Trafficking, to which they have pleaded not guilty.

The rescued victims, all Nigerian nationals, are now receiving medical and psychological care. The police confirmed they are collaborating with the Ghana Immigration Service and the Nigerian High Commission to facilitate the victims’ safe repatriation and reintegration into their communities.

In a statement, the Tema Regional Police Commander reaffirmed the force’s commitment to combating human trafficking and cybercrime, urging the public to report suspicious activities.

“The Command remains resolute in protecting public safety and security. We encourage the public to assist law enforcement with credible information to curb organized criminal networks,” the statement concluded.

This case has drawn widespread condemnation from both Ghanaian and Nigerian communities, with many expressing dismay over the increasing number of cross-border crimes involving Nigerian nationals. Social media users have also called for greater collaboration between West African governments to address human trafficking and cyber fraud, which continue to threaten regional security and the image of law-abiding citizens.