ABUJA – May 2, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough against transnational criminal networks, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismantled a cross-border kidnapping syndicate and successfully rescued two Ghanaian nationals abducted in connection with a romance scam.
The operation followed a report lodged on April 27, 2025, at the National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, regarding the abduction of 48-year-old Ghanaian national, Ms. Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo. According to the NPF, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) launched a swift and coordinated investigation, revealing that the abduction was linked to a Facebook-based love scam.
Technical analysis led investigators to a key suspect, Emeka Christian, a 27-year-old Nigerian residing in Bolgatanga, Upper East Ghana. Christian allegedly received a ransom of GH₵10,000 via a Ghanaian mobile account and confessed to transferring the funds to a Nigerian bank account belonging to one Peter Okoye.
IRT operatives, working in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, tracked Okoye to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was apprehended on May 1, 2025, at approximately 1:22 PM. Two other suspects, Paulinus Chidokwe, 35, and Chinonso Okafor, 35, were also arrested during the operation.
The team rescued two Ghanaian victims—Ms. Arthur and another woman, Amaseerwaa Konadu—who had been held in dehumanizing conditions. Both victims have since been taken to the hospital for medical attention, while the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The Police assured that the suspects would face prosecution.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, praised the operatives for their decisive and professional conduct. He reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to fighting transnational crimes and enhancing collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
The NPF also issued a warning to the public to remain vigilant against online romance scams and to report suspicious activities to the authorities.
For further information or to report criminal activity, contact:
Email: pressforabuja@police.gov.ng
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Facebook: @ngpolice
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