Some of the suspects
THE GHANA Police Service has arrested 28 suspects in separate intelligence-led operations targeting cybercrime, human trafficking and illicit arms dealing across the country. Thirty-three (33) victims have also been rescued.
According to a police statement, the operations were carried out in Mataheko-Afienya, Fafa Community, Kwabenya, and the Ashanti Region between the past weeks.
Case Breakdown
Ten suspects have been arrested at Mataheko-Afienya, Tema, following an intelligence-led operation conducted on July 3, 2026. The suspects include Collins Francis Olayi Ojo, Matthew Balogun, Jahid Bello, Abdul Rahman Nufizi, Talent Sinivie, Preye Morrison, Lawal Abdul Aziz, David Ogobbona, Gift Prince, and Kingsley Honest.
They were arrested at an apartment suspected to be used as an operational base. Preliminary investigations established that Collins Francis Olayi Ojo is the coordinator and leader of the group. He is accused of facilitating the movement of nine Nigerian nationals from Nigeria to Ghana by road and subjecting them to cyber-enabled fraudulent activities under his direction.
The Tema Regional Police Command identified the nine individuals as victims of human trafficking and exploitation. They have been rescued and placed at a safe location for further action. A search conducted at the premises led to the retrieval of 28 laptop computers and nine (9) mobile phones.
All items have been secured for digital forensic examination. Suspect Collins Francis Olayi Ojo has been put before the Accra High Court and remanded into police custody. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest any other connected persons.
Also, eleven suspects were arrested at Fafa Community on July 7, 2026 for their engagement in cybercrime activities. A search at the premises led to the recovery of 14 laptop computers with accessories and 12 smart mobile phones, all suspected to have been used in the commission of cybercrime-related offences.
Preliminary investigations established that six (6) of the 11 individuals were victims of human trafficking. They had been brought from Nigeria to Ghana under false pretences and were being exploited to engage in cyber-enabled fraudulent activities.
The rescued victims received the necessary protection, medical screening, and victim support before being sent back to Nigeria. Subsequent investigations revealed that Godstime Terry, 34, and Wilson Makuo, 21, who were initially identified as victims, were in fact key coordinators of the syndicate. A third suspect identified only as Jerry, who allegedly played a key role in trafficking the victims into Ghana, remains at large. The suspects have been put before the Circuit Court and remanded into police custody. All electronic devices recovered have been secured for digital forensic examination.
Kwabenya Human Trafficking
Five suspects have been arrested at Kwabenya for human trafficking and cyber-enabled criminal activities. They include Chigozie Azubuike, 35; Edwin Onyema, 24; Kingsley Nwachukwu, 29; Henry Ebuke, 32; and Harrison Godwin, 26.
Fifty-two (52) assorted mobile phones and several wireless internet devices believed to have been used in the commission of cybercrime offences were recovered and secured for forensic examination. Intelligence received on July 11, 2026 indicated that a group had trafficked several young Nigerians into Ghana and were housing them at a residential property at Kwabenya, where they were being compelled to engage in cybercrime activities.
A search of the three-bedroom apartment revealed one bedroom was locked. Suspect Chigozie Azubuike claimed the room belonged to his elder brother who had travelled. Officers found the explanation suspicious and forced entry. Inside, police found 22 young Nigerian nationals. Preliminary investigations indicate that 18 of them, aged between 15 and 24, are victims of human trafficking. The victims had been instructed by Chigozie Azubuike, identified as their self-styled “Chairman,” to hide from the police. The 18 victims have been rescued and placed in a safe location under the care of the appropriate authorities.
On July 16, 2026, the five suspects were put before Accra Circuit Court 7 and remanded into police custody to assist investigations.
Kumasi Illicit Trafficking
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal trading of arms and ammunition in the Ashanti Region, contrary to Section 192(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). In early January 2026, the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters gathered intelligence that individuals were illegally trading in arms and ammunition in the Ashanti Region, supplying weapons to various buyers, including criminal elements.
Following sustained surveillance, the team arrested the first suspect, Cristopher Kuupieni, 63, a businessman and president of Abuakwa Nana Ketewa in the Ashanti Region, on July 15, 2026. During interrogation, he admitted the offence and named Kwabena Tawiah as his main supplier. Further investigations led to the arrest of suspect Kwabena Tawiah, 56, a businessman and president of Asofia Kokoben, also in the Ashanti Region.
A search conducted on him led to the recovery of “1 Malik pistol, 1 Walther PK 380 pistol with 1 magazine, 1 Smith and Wesson pistol with 1 magazine, 1 Stoeger STR Series pistol with 1 magazine, 1 Taurus G2C pistol loaded with 5 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, 3 additional pistol magazines, 100 rounds of live 9mm ammunition and 20 rounds of 380 Auto PPU live ammunition.”
During interrogation, suspect Kwabena Tawiah admitted the offence and disclosed that despite having no licence, he had been engaged in the business for the past 10 years. He also disclosed that he had clients across the country who purchased weapons without documentation. Both suspects are in police custody assisting with investigations while efforts are underway to arrest identified accomplices and sources of supply.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke