*57 Rescued, Five Arrested
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Ghana Police Service has arrested five suspects and rescued 57 Nigerians from a human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate operating at Adom Estates, Community 25, in the West African country.
The operation, which took place last Wednesday, 22 October, was led by the CID’s Operations Unit following intelligence gathered on the group’s activities.
The suspects have been named by the police as Joel Nosa, Collins Rotimi, Shadrack Lulu, Austin Amahuaro, and John Uloko.
They are alleged to have operated a network that lured young Nigerians to Ghana under false promises of employment and education.
According to a statement issued by the CID’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, preliminary investigations indicated that the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were forced to engage in online romance scams and other illegal activities upon arrival in Ghana.
“Upon arrival, the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other heinous activities,” the statement said.
During the operation, police retrieved 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and other internet-enabled devices suspected to have been used in the crimes.
The 57 rescued victims are currently receiving care and support, while the suspects remain in police custody assisting with further investigations.
The seized items have been retained for forensic analysis.
The Police Service urged the public, especially young people, to be cautious about offers of employment, education, or travel made through social media and other unverified sources.
“The Police reiterate their determination to combat human trafficking, cybercrime, and related offenses, and urge anyone with credible information on such activities to report to the nearest police station,” the statement added.
*PHOTO CAPTION: A cross section of some of the rescued Nigerians.
