The Tema Regional Police Command has secured the conviction and sentencing of two persons for human trafficking and causing harm after they were found guilty of exploiting and abusing 11 Nigerian nationals in Sebrepor, a suburb of Tema.
The convicts, identified as 29-year-old Kingsley Ndifon and 25-year-old Emmanuel Akong, were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on the charge of human trafficking and 10 years for causing harm, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The two were arrested on August 20, 2023, following a distress call received by the Afienya District Police Command that some individuals were being held against their will at a house in Sebrepor.
A police patrol team, with support from concerned residents, moved to the location, arrested the suspects and rescued 11 Nigerian nationals who were found confined in the house.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of 16 laptops and an iPad from rooms occupied by the suspects.
Police investigations revealed that the victims had allegedly been recruited from Nigeria under the false promise of securing employment opportunities in Ghana. However, upon arrival, they were reportedly forced into cyber-related activities and confined to the house.
The suspects were also accused of confiscating the victims’ mobile phones and identification documents and compelling them to use the laptops to engage in internet fraud.
According to the police, the victims were fed only once daily and subjected to physical abuse whenever they failed to comply with instructions. Some suffered injuries, including cutlass wounds, after allegedly being beaten with laptop cables and machetes.
The victims were found to be malnourished and in poor health when they were rescued.
The accused persons were arraigned before the Circuit Court ‘B’ in Tema, presided over by Her Honour Naomi Adusei Amamiampong Kucour, on charges including conspiracy to commit crime, human trafficking and causing harm.
After the trial, the court found Kingsley Ndifon and Emmanuel Akong guilty on the relevant counts and handed them the prison sentences.
The Tema Regional Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, cyber-related crimes and other forms of abuse, while urging the public to report suspected cases to the police.
