23 Nigerians Rescued from Alleged Cybercrime Kidnapping Ring at Oyibi

A major human trafficking and cybercrime case is unfolding in Ghana after 23 Nigerian nationals were rescued from alleged captivity at the hands of fellow countrymen at Oyibi, near Adenta in Accra.

The accused — Godwin Ekene, a 27-year-old computer technician; Osazuwa Friday, a 34-year-old trader; and a third suspect, Alvin, currently at large — have been charged with kidnapping, cyber-related offences, and attempted fraud.

Appearing before His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah, the accused persons were arraigned but their pleas were not taken. The prosecution, led by Detective Chief Inspector Edina Atinga, detailed a disturbing scheme where victims were reportedly lured into Ghana with promises of well-paying jobs but were instead held captive and coerced into online scams.

According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences occurred in July, 2025 at two apartments — Nos. 16 and 20 — located within the Ubuntu Heavens Estate at Oyibi.

Acting on intelligence, a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service’s Cybercrime Unit and the Cyber Security Authority raided the premises on July 3rd. They discovered the 23 young men most in their teens and twenties working on laptops under suspicious conditions.

The prosecution alleges that the victims, who include individuals as young as 14 and 17, were prevented from contacting anyone outside and had no way of revealing their location. The accused are also charged with attempting to defraud by false pretence under Sections 111 of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772) and Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Among the items seized during the raid were 33 laptops, a tablet, and 20 mobile phones. The devices are being sent to the forensic lab for further analysis as investigations continue.

Authorities have confirmed that all the victims are Nigerian nationals. Efforts are currently underway to contact their families and arrange for their repatriation or continued protection in Ghana, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The third suspect, Alvin, remains at large and is the subject of an active manhunt. Police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

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