Police arrest five for trafficking 57 Nigerians into Ghana for cybercrime, romance scams
By DL News
Published
1 min read
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, the Police identified the suspects as: Joel Nosa, Collins Rotimi, Shadrack Lulu, Austin Amahuaro, and John Uloko.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested five individuals for their alleged involvement in a transnational human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate that trafficked 57 Nigerian nationals into Ghana under false pretences.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, the Police identified the suspects as: Joel Nosa, Collins Rotimi, Shadrack Lulu, Austin Amahuaro, and John Uloko.
They were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the CID’s Operations Unit at Adom Estates, Community 25.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects operated as part of a well-coordinated trafficking network that lured young men and women aged between 18 and 26 from Nigeria to Ghana, under the guise of providing employment or educational opportunities.
However, upon their arrival, the victims were reportedly coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other forms of cybercrime.
The police retrieved several items believed to have been used in facilitating the criminal enterprise, including:
77 assorted laptops
38 mobile phones
Two vehicles
Three television sets
Various internet-enabled devices
All retrieved items have been retained for forensic analysis.
The 57 rescued victims are currently receiving:
Medical attention
Psychosocial counseling
Temporary shelter
These interventions are being coordinated under the supervision of the relevant state agencies and victim support services.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with further investigations. The case is expected to proceed under Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), and relevant provisions under the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772) and Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as applicable.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service reiterated its caution to the public—especially youth—to be vigilant when responding to offers of employment, educational placements, or travel arrangements made via social media or unverified channels.
“We caution the general public to remain vigilant about offers of employment, educational opportunities, or travel arrangements made through social media or other unverified sources,” the statement emphasized.
