The Tema Regional Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate operating in Peace Land, Ashaiman, rescuing seven Nigerian nationals and arresting three suspects in a targeted operation.

According to a statement issued by the Police on Friday, October 10, the operation was conducted by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on Tuesday, October 7, at approximately 4:00 p.m.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Peter Okoyie, 36, a computer engineer, Jolly Ezekiel, 30 and Jolly Shadrack, 33

Investigations revealed that the victims were lured from Nigeria to Ghana under the guise of securing construction jobs in Tema. However, upon arrival, they were transported to a house in Ashaiman, where they were forcibly confined and coerced into online fraud schemes.

The victims reported enduring physical abuse, including severe beatings, and were forced to swear oaths of allegiance to their captors. Dissenting individuals were locked in a cramped 10×12-foot room, denied food, hygiene, and freedom for several months.

Each victim was reportedly given a laptop and trained to create fraudulent online romantic relationships with foreign victims to solicit money. The syndicate is believed to have operated with over 10 laptops, overseen by senior members who reaped the illicit proceeds.

A subsequent search of the suspects' premises led to the retrieval of multiple laptops, mobile phones, wi-fi routers, household items and foodstuffs

All items have been retained as evidence. The mobile devices have been transferred to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis.

The suspects appeared before the Ashaiman District Court on October 9, 2025, presided over by His Worship Derick Parden Eshun, and were remanded into custody. They are scheduled to reappear on October 23, 2025. Charges include Conspiracy to Commit Crime and Human Trafficking, both of which they denied.

The seven victims, who had been held captive for approximately eight months, are now in protective care and receiving support services. The Tema Regional Police Command is collaborating with the Ghana Immigration Service to arrange their safe repatriation and reintegration with their families in Nigeria.

The Command reiterated its commitment to public safety and urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking or cybercrime to aid in the fight against organised criminal networks.

“The Command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public safety and security and urges members of the public to promptly report any suspected human trafficking or cybercrime activities to assist in the ongoing fight against organised criminal networks,” the statement concluded.