Businessman in court for allegedly trafficking Nigerians into cyber fraud
A 30-year-old businessman has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly trafficking five Nigerians into Ghana under the guise of securing them lucrative jobs, only to compel them into internet fraud schemes.
The accused, Obasuyi Efosa Bright, faces five counts of prohibition of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
Prosecutors told the court that the victims, all Nigerian nationals between the ages of 19 and 25, were lured to Ghana with promises of well-paying jobs. Instead, they were coerced into participating in a ‘romance scam,’ targeting unsuspecting individuals online.
The presiding judge granted the businessman bail in the sum of GHS100,000 with two sureties, on the condition that he reports to the police twice a month
The court also directed the prosecution to file disclosures and serve copies on the defence team.
According to the prosecution, on 21 August 2025, the police received intelligence that a group of Nigerian nationals was being housed in a property at Adom Estates, Tema Community 25 and were engaged in cybercrime activities.
A joint team from the Cybercrime Unit of the CID Headquarters and the Cyber Security Authority raided the premises, where they found Bright and five other Nigerians living in a three-bedroom apartment.
Investigators discovered six laptop computers, all connected to high-speed internet and running a Korean web application called ‘BAND.’
The application, according to police, was being used to perpetrate romance scams by deceiving unsuspecting victims into fraudulent online relationships.
The prosecution said investigations revealed the businessman was the leader of the syndicate and had trafficked the other five Nigerians into Ghana under false pretences. Instead of the promised employment, they were allegedly forced into criminal cyber activities.
The police have since rescued the victims and placed them in a safe shelter while investigations continue.
The seized laptop computers have been forwarded to the Forensic Laboratory for examination to establish the extent of the fraudulent operations.
Meanwhile, the prosecution emphasised that investigations are ongoing and additional charges may be preferred as evidence is processed.
The case has been adjourned to allow for further investigations.
