Police rescue seven Nigerians, arrest three human traffickers in Ashaiman
The Tema Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in human trafficking and cyber fraud that was operating in Peace Land, Ashaiman.
During this operation, seven Nigerian nationals were rescued from captivity, and three suspects were apprehended.
As stated in a release from the police on Friday, October 10, the operation was executed by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on Tuesday, October 7, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
This raid resulted in the arrest of three individuals identified as Peter Okoyie, 36, a computer engineer; Jolly Ezekiel, 30; and Jolly Shadrack, 33.
The statement clarified that the suspects allegedly deceived their victims into travelling from Nigeria to Ghana under the pretence of providing them with construction employment in Tema.
However, upon their arrival, the victims were taken to a residence in Peace Land, Ashaiman, where they were confined and coerced into participating in internet fraud activities.
Investigations have uncovered that the victims endured severe physical abuse and were compelled to take oaths of loyalty to their captors.
Those who resisted were confined in a small room measuring approximately 10×12 feet and deprived of food, freedom of movement, and basic hygiene for several months.
According to the victims, each was provided with a laptop and instructed to establish fraudulent romantic relationships with unsuspecting individuals overseas, with the intent to defraud them of their money.
The syndicate reportedly utilised more than 10 laptops for their operations, with senior members overseeing and benefiting from the illicit gains.
A subsequent search of the suspects’ residence resulted in the recovery of numerous items, including laptops, routers, mobile phones, household goods, and food supplies.
These items have been retained as evidence to support the ongoing investigation.
The confiscated mobile phones have been sent to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic examination.
The suspects were brought before the Ashaiman District Court, which was presided over by H/W Derick Parden Eshun, on October 9, 2025. They were subsequently remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on October 23, 2025.
The charges against them include conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically human trafficking, following the denial of their pleas.
The victims, who had endured captivity for approximately eight months, have now been rescued and are currently receiving care.
The Tema Regional Police Commander has reassured the public that the investigations are advancing steadily and that the Command is collaborating with the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure the safe repatriation and reintegration of the victims with their families in Nigeria.