His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah is presiding over a disturbing human trafficking and cybercrime case involving the alleged captivity of 23 Nigerian nationals at Oyibi, near Adenta in Accra. The accused persons—Godwin Ekene, a 27-year-old computer technician, and Osazuwa Friday, a 34-year-old trader—were arraigned before the court. A third suspect, identified only as Alvin, remains at large.
The accused face multiple charges, including kidnapping, cyber-related offences, and attempted fraud. Their pleas were not taken during their first court appearance.
Detective Chief Inspector Edina Atinga, who is leading the prosecution, outlined a scheme in which the victims were reportedly deceived with promises of lucrative job opportunities in Ghana. Instead, they were allegedly held in confinement and forced into online scam operations.
The alleged crimes took place in July 2025 at two separate apartments—Nos. 16 and 20—within the Ubuntu Heavens Estate at Oyibi. Following a tip-off, a joint operation by the Cybercrime Unit of the Ghana Police Service and the Cyber Security Authority was launched.
On July 3rd, officers raided the location and rescued 23 young men, many of whom were in their teens and early twenties.
The prosecution alleges that some of the victims were as young as 14 and 17 years old. Investigators believe they were denied access to the outside world and had no means to reach out for help.
During the operation, authorities seized 33 laptops, one tablet, and 20 mobile phones. All the devices have been sent to the forensic laboratory for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
The accused are also facing charges under Section 111 of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772), and Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which cover attempted defrauding by false pretence.
Preliminary findings confirm that all 23 victims are Nigerian nationals. Arrangements are being made to either repatriate them or ensure their protection in Ghana, depending on the progress and outcomes of the case.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are actively searching for Alvin, the third suspect, who is believed to have played a central role in the operation. The public has been urged to assist with any information that could lead to his arrest.
