The Ashaiman District Court has remanded three men into police custody in connection with a cross-border human trafficking operation that authorities say lured vulnerable Nigerians to Ghana and forced them into cybercrime under brutal conditions.

The suspects—Peter Okoyie (alias “Lea”, 36), Jolly Ezekiel (30), and Jolly Shadrak (33)—were arraigned on October 9, 2025, before presiding judge Mr. Derick Parden Eshun.

The accused face two counts: conspiracy to commit a crime, namely human trafficking, and human trafficking itself. Their pleas were not taken, as they appeared without legal representation, in line with Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).

Details of the Police Operation

The case stems from a coordinated operation by the Zenu-Atadeka District Police Patrol Team, who acted on intelligence to raid a residence in Peaceland, near Ashaiman, on October 7, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m.

According to police, the suspects were part of a syndicate that specifically targeted young Nigerians—promising them lucrative jobs in Ghana, only to strip them of their freedoms and force them into internet fraud.

During the operation, officers rescued seven Nigerian victims—all men, aged between 18 and 27—who, according to police, had been held captive for nearly eight months. Initial investigations revealed that the victims suffered severe physical and psychological abuse.

They were beaten, coerced into swearing oaths of allegiance, and forced to pose as romantic partners online to defraud unsuspecting individuals, primarily in Europe and North America.

Inhumane Living Conditions Documented

A police incident report, made available to the press, details harrowing conditions: the victims were locked indoors at all times, permitted to eat only once daily—at 3 p.m.—and allowed to use toilet and bathing facilities just once a week. The psychological impact of this confinement, according to social workers, can be profound and long-lasting.

Evidence Seized and Digital Investigation
During a follow-up search of the property, officers retrieved laptops, internet routers, five mobile phones, household goods, and foodstuffs. These items are being held as exhibits to support the ongoing investigation. The presiding judge, Mr. Eshun, ordered that the five mobile phones be sent to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis—an increasingly routine step in cybercrime and trafficking cases given the reliance on digital communications.

Next Steps in the Case
The suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on October 23, 2025. In the meantime, the Ashaiman police are working closely with the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure the safe repatriation of the rescued victims to Nigeria after medical and psychological assessments.

Superintendent Olivia Turkson, Commander of the Zenu-Atadeka District Police, confirmed the collaboration and underscored the importance of cross-border partnerships in combating trafficking:

“We are working with the Ghana Immigration Service to facilitate the safe repatriation of the victims to Nigeria,” she said, adding that the victims are receiving necessary care and support.

Police Appeal for Public Vigilance
ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Public Relations Officer of the Tema Regional Police Command, used the occasion to urge the public to play an active role in the fight against trafficking and cybercrime:

“We encourage the public to report any suspected human trafficking or cybercrime activities to the authorities,” ASP Dzakpasu emphasized.

Broader Context: Human Trafficking in Ghana
Ghana remains both a source and a destination for human trafficking, according to the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report. In 2023 alone, the Ghana Police Service recorded over 120 cases of human trafficking, with most victims originating from West African countries. The proliferation of internet fraud syndicates has further complicated law enforcement efforts.

As the case proceeds, authorities hope it will serve as a warning to criminal networks exploiting vulnerable migrants and a call to action for communities to remain vigilant.