The Tema Regional Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a major human trafficking and cyber fraud syndicate operating from Peace Land, a community in Ashaiman. The well-coordinated police operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the rescue of seven Nigerian nationals who had been held captive and exploited for months.
According to an official statement issued by the police on Friday, October 10, 2025, the operation was carried out by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on Tuesday, October 7, at around 4:00 p.m. The arrested suspects were identified as Peter Okoyie, 36, a computer engineer; Jolly Ezekiel, 30; and Jolly Shadrack, 33.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects lured their victims from Nigeria into Ghana under the pretense of offering them lucrative construction jobs in Tema. Upon arrival, the victims were transported to a house located at Peace Land, Ashaiman, where they were confined and forced to engage in cyber fraud activities against their will.
According to police sources, the victims endured severe physical and psychological abuse. They were reportedly beaten, intimidated, and compelled to swear oaths of allegiance to their captors as a means of control. Those who resisted participation in the illegal schemes were detained in a small 10×12-foot room, denied food, and deprived of basic freedom for extended periods.
The victims told investigators that each of them was issued a laptop and trained to operate fake online profiles, particularly for romance scams targeting unsuspecting individuals abroad. Their role was to deceive victims through fabricated relationships and extract money under false pretenses. The syndicate allegedly operated with over ten laptops, with senior members overseeing the fraudulent activities and managing the division of proceeds.
During the search of the suspects’ residence, police recovered a number of items, including laptops, routers, mobile phones, household goods, and foodstuffs. All retrieved items have been kept as evidence to support ongoing investigations. The seven victims, who had been held in captivity for nearly eight months, have since been rescued and are receiving medical and psychological care.
On Thursday, October 9, the three suspects were arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court, presided over by His Worship Derick Parden Eshun. They were charged with Conspiracy to Commit Crime (Human Trafficking) and Human Trafficking. Their pleas were not taken, and the court remanded them into police custody to reappear on October 23, 2025.
Police further disclosed that mobile phones retrieved from the suspects have been forwarded to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis. This step, according to authorities, will help uncover digital evidence and identify other potential collaborators involved in the human trafficking and cyber fraud network.
The Tema Regional Police Commander assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and progressing steadily. The Police Command is working closely with the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure the safe repatriation and reintegration of the rescued victims with their families in Nigeria.
“The Command remains committed to safeguarding public safety and security,” the statement emphasized. “We urge members of the public to promptly report any suspected human trafficking or cybercrime activities to assist in the ongoing fight against organized criminal networks.”
Authorities described the case as a major breakthrough in Ghana’s broader effort to combat human trafficking, cyber fraud, and transnational crime. The operation reflects the increasing sophistication of criminal syndicates that exploit digital platforms to perpetuate exploitation and financial scams.
The Tema Regional Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to intensifying surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations to identify and dismantle such networks. It also called for public vigilance and stronger community collaboration to ensure timely reporting of suspicious activities.
The success of this operation marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s continuing fight against human trafficking and cyber-enabled exploitation. The police emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
Through cross-border collaboration, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement, the Police Service aims to curb the rise of human trafficking and cybercrime, ensuring that Ghana remains a safe and secure nation for all.
