The Tema Circuit Court ‘B’ has convicted two men who trafficked Nigerian nationals to Ghana under the guise of offering them jobs before allegedly forcing them into cyber fraud.
The convicts, Kingsley Ndifon, 29, and Emmanuel Akong, 25, were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for human trafficking after being found guilty.
The court, presided over by Naomi Adusei Amamiampong Kucour, also convicted the two of causing harm and sentenced them to 10 years’ imprisonment on that count. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning each will serve 20 years in prison.
The case dates back to August 20, 2023, when the Afienya District Police Command received a distress call that several people were being held against their will in a house at Sebrepor, a suburb of Tema.
Police officers, assisted by residents, stormed the premises and arrested the two suspects while rescuing 11 Nigerian nationals who had allegedly been confined in the house.
A search of the property led to the recovery of 16 laptop computers and an iPad from rooms occupied by the suspects.
Investigations revealed that the victims had been lured from Nigeria to Ghana with promises of employment. However, upon arrival, they were allegedly forced into internet fraud operations and prevented from leaving the house.
According to the Police, the suspects confiscated the victims’ mobile phones and identification documents before compelling them to carry out cyber-related activities using the laptops provided.
Investigators also found that the victims were subjected to harsh conditions. They were allegedly fed only once a day and physically assaulted whenever they failed to comply with instructions.
Police said the victims were beaten with laptop charging cables and machetes, suffering injuries, including cutlass wounds. They were also found to be malnourished and in poor health at the time of their rescue.
The two accused persons were prosecuted on charges including conspiracy to commit human trafficking, human trafficking and causing harm.
