Accra: Over 90 Nigerians arrested for internet fraud and immigration offences; 73 victims rescued

Over 90 Nigerian nationals have been arrested in Accra in connection with internet fraud and immigration violations.

According to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) , 91 men and two women were taken into custody during an intelligence-led operation targeting six residences at the Devtraco Estate.

The operation also led to the rescue of 73 individuals who had reportedly been subjected to physical abuse and mistreatment by the suspects.

“The operation uncovered a range of items including counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, laptops, mobile phones, and televisions, all believed to have been used in the commission of these offences,” the GIS stated in a press release.

The Service explained that preliminary investigations indicate some of the suspects entered Ghana through unofficial routes, while others had overstayed the 90-day visa-free period allowed to certain nationals.

Further investigations are ongoing at the GIS National Headquarters, while the rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration reminded all foreign residents in Ghana to comply with the law, highlighting that violations under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) can result in five to 20 years in prison, with life sentences possible in cases involving children.