Accra: Two individuals have been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court, facing charges related to kidnapping, attempted defrauding, and cyber security violations. The suspects, identified as Godwin Ekene, a computer technician, and Osazuwa Friday, a trader, have not yet entered pleas due to ongoing investigations.
According to Ghana News Agency, the accused allegedly enticed 23 Nigerians to Oyibi, Ghana, under the pretense of providing employment opportunities. Instead, they were coerced into participating in cybercrime activities. An accomplice, known as Alvin, remains at large.
The court session, overseen by Mr. Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah, resulted in the suspects being remanded into police custody. Chief Inspector Edina Atinga led the prosecution, representing complainants from the Cybercrime Unit of the CID Headquarters and the Cyber Security Authority. The suspects, both Nigerian nationals, were implicated in luring victims under false pretenses, subsequently detaining them to engage in cyber-related crimes.
On July 3, 2025, a combined operation by the Police and Cyber Security personnel led to the arrest of the suspects at Ubuntu Heavens Estate in Oyibi. During the operation, 23 Nigerians were found working on laptops, with authorities confiscating 33 laptops, a tablet, and 20 mobile phones as evidence.
The victims reported being brought to Ghana by Ekene, Friday, and Alvin to secure 'lucrative jobs.' However, they ended up being kidnapped and forced into cybercriminal activities, commonly referred to as 'yatino yahoo.' The seized items are slated for forensic analysis, and efforts are being made to contact the victims' families.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
