Ghanaian court jails two Nigerians 40 years for human trafficking, cybercrime

A Ghanaian court has handed down a 40-year prison sentence to two Nigerian nationals for their involvement in human trafficking and cybercrime. Kingsley Ndifon, 29, and Emmanuel Akong, 25, were each sentenced to 20 years for human trafficking and 10 years for causing harm, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The two men were found guilty by Circuit Court 'B' in Tema after luring fellow Nigerians to Ghana with promises of employment. Upon arrival, the victims were allegedly held captive and forced into engaging in internet fraud. The suspects confiscated the victims' mobile phones and identity cards, compelling them to carry out cyber-related criminal activities using provided laptops.

Authorities were alerted by a distress call on August 20, 2023, leading to the rescue of 11 Nigerian nationals who were being held against their will in Sebrepor, a suburb of Tema. During the operation, police arrested Ndifon and Akong and seized 16 laptops and an iPad. Investigations revealed that the victims were subjected to severe physical abuse and were fed only once daily, suffering malnutrition and poor health when rescued.

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They were allegedly beaten with laptop cables and machetes, resulting in injuries, including cutlass wounds.