49 Nigerians busted in human trafficking syndicate
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Ghana Police Service have apprehended a human trafficking syndicate, resulting in the arrest of forty-nine Nigerian nationals.
The operation took place in Accra, where the suspects, comprising 47 males and 2 females aged between 18 and 34, were taken into custody.
According to EOCO, the arrested individuals are believed to be involved in activities related to human trafficking and cybercrime.
During the operation, authorities discovered and confiscated seventy laptop computers, two saloon cars, fifty-one mobile phones, nine internet modems, and various other devices from the syndicate’s hideout.
Further investigation and screening of the suspects revealed that 45 of them were victims of human trafficking, while the remaining four were identified as traffickers.
The rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria, where they will be reunited with their families. As for the alleged traffickers, namely Godstine Omoruyi, Junior Nosa Omoruyi, Marvelous Omoruyi, and Evbuomwan Idowu, they have been presented before the court to face legal proceedings.
The operation was initiated based on intelligence obtained by EOCO, which pointed to the presence of young Nigerians who had been trafficked into Ghana. These victims were initially lured with promises of job opportunities but were subsequently coerced into participating in cybercrime activities upon their arrival.
The traffickers resorted to physical abuse and torture to maintain control over their victims.
Authorities are actively pursuing efforts to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that the rescued victims receive the necessary support. Investigations are ongoing as they work towards achieving these goals.