By Desire Emmanuel, with Agency Reports
Five Nigerians have been arrested in Ghana and at least 57 Nigerian nationals have been rescued by personnel of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, after the five men were said to have recruited the citizens from Nigeria and forced them to engage in romance scam, and other internet related criminal activities.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service arrested the five men and rescued the 57 citizens at Adom Estates, Community 25, Legon area of the country.
The names of the arrested Nigerians were given as Joel Nosa, Collins Rotimi, Shadrack Lulu, Austin Amahuaro, and John Uloko and they were picked up following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Unit.
According to a statement by the CID PRO, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, on its website on Thursday, preliminary investigations revealed that the men operate a human trafficking network responsible for luring and transporting young men and women from Nigeria to Ghana under the guise of securing them employment and educational opportunities.
The CID wrote: “Upon arrival, the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other heinous activities,” she said.
Chief Inspector Babanawo disclosed further that during the operation, the police recovered 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones of various brands, two vehicles, three television sets and other internet-enabled devices suspected of being used in perpetrating the crimes.
She further stated that the 57 rescued victims are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while the suspects remain in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations. The retrieved exhibits have been retained for further forensic examination.
“The Ghana Police Service would like to caution the general public, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant about offers of employment, educational opportunities, or travel arrangements made through social media or other unverified sources,” she cautioned.
