Ghanaian court sentences 2 Nigerians to 40 years’ imprisonment for human trafficking, cybercrime

Ghanaian court has sentenced two Nigerian nationals to 40 years’ imprisonment after finding them guilty of human trafficking and operating a transnational cybercrime syndicate.

The conviction is seen as a significant development in Ghana’s efforts to combat human trafficking and organised cybercrime, particularly criminal networks that exploit vulnerable job seekers across West Africa.

According to prosecutors, the convicts lured victims to Ghana by advertising fake employment opportunities in sectors such as information technology, online marketing and customer service.

Investigators said that upon arriving in Ghana, many of the victims had their passports and other travel documents confiscated, leaving them unable to leave. The victims were allegedly confined in residential buildings and forced to participate in various forms of online fraud.

Prosecutors told the court that the victims were subjected to intimidation and threats while being compelled to carry out romance scams, phishing attacks and other internet-based financial fraud schemes.

The criminal network was uncovered following coordinated operations by the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority and immigration officials in parts of the Greater Accra Region. During the raids, security operatives rescued dozens of suspected trafficking victims and recovered laptops, mobile phones and other electronic devices believed to have been used in the cybercrime operation.

Authorities said investigations revealed that the syndicate exploited young people seeking better employment opportunities by deceiving them with promises of well-paying jobs before forcing them into criminal activities.

Following the judgment, Ghanaian security agencies urged members of the public, particularly young job seekers, to exercise caution when responding to employment offers outside their home countries. They advised prospective migrants to verify job opportunities through legitimate employers and official government channels before travelling.

Officials also confirmed that rescued victims are receiving profiling, counselling and other psychosocial support ahead of their planned repatriation in collaboration with relevant diplomatic authorities.

The case underscores growing concerns over the rise of human trafficking networks linked to cybercrime in West Africa and has renewed calls for stronger cross-border cooperation among regional law enforcement agencies to dismantle such criminal organisations.