The Tema Regional Police Command has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of two human traffickers to 20 years in prison. The convicts, 29-year-old Kingsley Ndifon and 25-year-old Emmanuel Akong, were found guilty of human trafficking and causing harm following a thorough investigation and trial.
Operation and Rescue
The case dates back to August 20, 2023, when the Afienya District Police Command received a distress call reporting individuals being held against their will in a house at Sebrepor, a suburb of Tema. A police patrol team, acting alongside concerned local residents, raided the premises and safely rescued 11 Nigerian nationals.
A search of the suspects’ rooms led to the recovery of 16 laptops and one iPad.
Deception and Torture
According to police investigations, the victims were initially recruited from Nigeria under the false pretense of securing legitimate employment in Ghana. Upon arrival, however, their mobile phones and identification cards were confiscated, and they were confined to the Sebrepor house to work on internet fraud using the provided laptops.
Investigators revealed that the victims endured horrific conditions, including being fed only once a day. Those who failed to comply with instructions faced severe physical abuse, suffering brutal beatings with laptop cables and machetes that left them with deep cutlass wounds, malnourished, and in poor health.
Court Verdict and Police Warning
The accused were arraigned before Circuit Court ‘B’ in Tema, presided over by Her Honour Naomi Adusei Amamiampog Kucour. They faced charges including conspiracy to commit crime, human trafficking under the Human Trafficking Act of 2005 (Act 694), and causing harm under the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29).
Following the trial, Kingsley Ndifon and Emmanuel Akong were found guilty on Counts Two and Three, respectively. The court sentenced each accused person to 20 years’ imprisonment on Count Two and 10 years’ imprisonment on Count Three, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.
In a statement signed by ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs for the Tema Regional Police Command, authorities reaffirmed their dedication to eradicating human trafficking, cyber-related crimes, and all forms of abuse. The command has urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases of human trafficking and criminal activities to law enforcement.
