What Happened? And How Joint Force Efforts Free Kidnap Victims Lured by Romance Scams
On May 1, 2025, Ghanaian authorities announced the successful rescue of two women from kidnappers in Nigeria, thanks to a coordinated effort involving the National Signals Bureau (NSB) and the Nigeria Police Force. The victims, whose ordeal was widely broadcast on social media, were identified as Ghanaian nationals who had been deceived by romance scammers.
During a press conference on May 6, 2025, Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, detailed how the victims were tricked into traveling to Nigeria under false pretenses of love. The suspects, Peter Okoye and Christian Emeka among others, allegedly posed as suitors online, convincing the women to leave Ghana.
Once in Nigeria, the victims were captured, tied, and threatened by the kidnappers who demanded a ransom from their families. The chilling videos of their captivity, shared online, highlighted the brutality of the crime.
The police have arrested the suspects, who are now in custody in Nigeria. Efforts are ongoing to extradite them and bring the victims back to Ghana, as the authorities continue to warn the public about the dangers of online romance scams.
DCOP Donkor urged citizens to remain cautious and to report any suspicious activities to the police, emphasizing the collaboration between Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities in addressing cross-border crimes. She reassured the public that both the suspects and victims are safe and will soon be back in Ghana.