The Tema Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a human trafficking and cyber fraud syndicate operating at Peace Land, Ashaiman, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the rescue of seven Nigerian nationals who were being held against their will.
The operation, which took place on October 7, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., was carried out by the Zenu-Atadeka District Police Patrol Team following actionable intelligence.
The suspects, identified as Peter Okoyie (36), a computer engineer, Jolly Ezekiel (30), and Jolly Shadrack (33), are alleged to have lured their victims from Nigeria into Ghana under the guise of offering them employment in the construction sector within Tema. Upon their arrival, however, the victims were reportedly transported to a residence at Peace Land, Ashaiman, where they were confined and coerced into engaging in internet fraud operations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims endured physical abuse and were forced to swear oaths of loyalty to their captors. Those who refused to participate in the fraudulent schemes were allegedly locked in a confined space measuring approximately 10 by 12 feet, deprived of food, movement, and basic hygiene for prolonged periods — some lasting up to eight months.
According to police reports, each victim was assigned a laptop and trained to establish fake romantic relationships with unsuspecting individuals abroad as part of elaborate online scams. The syndicate reportedly operated with over ten laptops under the supervision of senior members, who managed and profited from the fraudulent activities.
A subsequent search of the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of several exhibits, including laptops, routers, mobile phones, household items, and foodstuffs, all of which have been retained to aid ongoing investigations.
On October 9, 2025, the suspects were arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court, presided over by Her Worship Derick Parden Eshun, on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Crime, namely Human Trafficking, and Human Trafficking. Their pleas were not taken, and they were remanded into police custody to reappear on October 23, 2025. The confiscated mobile phones have been forwarded to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis.
The Tema Regional Police Commander assured the public that investigations are advancing steadily and emphasized the Command’s collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service to facilitate the safe repatriation and reintegration of the rescued victims with their families in Nigeria.
The Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety and combating organized crime. It further appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious human trafficking or cybercrime activities to the nearest police station to support the national effort against such criminal networks.
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