In a landmark ruling, the Tema Circuit Court 'B' in Ghana has sentenced two Nigerian nationals, Kingsley Ndifon, 29, and Emmanuel Akong, 25, to 20 years imprisonment each for human trafficking and causing harm. The convictions stem from a case where the duo trafficked Nigerian nationals into Ghana under false pretenses of employment, only to force them into cybercrime.
Details of the Crime
The Ghana Police Service, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, revealed that the two men were arrested on August 20, 2023, at Sebrepor, a suburb of Tema. The arrest followed a distress call received by the Afienya District Police Command, reporting that several people were being held against their will in a house. A police patrol team, with assistance from residents, stormed the premises and rescued 11 Nigerian nationals who had been confined there.
During a search of the house, police recovered 16 laptops and an iPad from rooms occupied by the suspects. Investigations revealed that the victims had been recruited from Nigeria with promises of employment in Ghana. However, upon arrival, they were forced to engage in cyber-related criminal activities while being held captive.
Victims' Ordeal
The victims had their mobile phones and identification cards confiscated by the suspects, who then compelled them to carry out internet fraud using the provided laptops. The investigation uncovered disturbing details about the victims' treatment: they were fed only once a day and subjected to severe physical abuse whenever they failed to follow instructions.
"They were allegedly beaten with laptop cables and machetes, resulting in injuries, including cutlass wounds," the Police said in a statement. Investigators also found that the victims were malnourished and in poor health at the time of their rescue.
Court Proceedings
The two accused were arraigned before Circuit Court 'B' in Tema, presided over by Her Honour Naomi Adusei Amamiampong Kucour. They faced charges of conspiracy to commit crime, namely human trafficking, human trafficking, and causing harm. At the end of the trial, the court found both guilty of human trafficking and causing harm.
The court sentenced each to 20 years' imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for causing harm, with the sentences running concurrently, meaning each will serve 20 years in prison.
Police Commitment
Commenting on the case, the Tema Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking and related crimes. "The Tema Regional Police Command remains committed to combating human trafficking, cyber-related crimes and all forms of abuse," the Police said. The Command also urged the public to promptly report suspected cases of human trafficking and other criminal activities to the Police.
