Nigerian Commission in Ghana takes custody of trafficked teenage girls

Nigerian High Commission in Ghana has confirmed that about 11 Nigerian teenage girls who were trafficked to the country for prostitution have been rescued and taken into custody.

The Commission who disclosed this in a memo obtained by Nigerian Tribune and signed by the Acting High Commissioner, Nigeria High Commission, Accra, Ghana, Ambassador Moses Ifedayo Adeoye, also disclosed that the suspect, Chukwudi Nwachukwu, who lured the girls to Ghana under the pretense of working at a restaurant, has been arrested and detained in Ghan police station.

According to Adeoye, the 11 rescued victims who are between 14 and 18 years hailed from Imo and Plateau states and will be reunited with their families in Nigeria before the end of the week.

The rescued girls include Simi-Joy Ayuba, 16, Mary Noro Ezekiel, Salina Danjuma, 18, Gift Onyinyechi Odurukwe, 15, Divine Chimezie Asouzu, 15, Confidence Chimaka, 18, Miracle Oluebube, 17, Lovelyn Amarachuku, 17, and Happiness Odurukwe, 16. Simi John, 16, and Miracle Okoye, 15.

Adeoye said: “We have the honour to report that the Nigeria High Commission, Accra, has taken custody of the eleven (11) trafficked Nigerian girls who were rescued on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Wiennbba, Central Region, Ghana.

“The victims were rescued by officials of the Nigerian diaspora organisation, Ghana Chapter, led by its President, Prince Olayemi Akinwande.

“The victims, aged between 14 and 18 years, are at present being kept by the High Commission at No. 15, Circular Road, Cantonment, Accra.

“They are healthy and hearty and are currently receiving support, care, counselling, and food provided by the mission.

“We also wish to report that the alleged kingpin of human trafficking who brought the girls to Ghana, Mr Chukwudi Virginus Nwachukwu, has been arrested. He is being detained at the Ghana Police headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

“The High Commission has also taken custody of his passport. Police authorities are investigating the matter, and as soon as the investigation is completed, the High Commission will make arrangements to reunite them with their families in Nigeria.

“Investigations revealed that the victims were deceived by the trafficker, who promised them restaurant jobs. It is worth noting that none of the victims have an international passport.

“They claimed they were ferried by boat from mile 2 waterside in Lagos to Porto-Novo, from where they were transported by road to Ghana.

“Upon arrival in Ghana, they claimed they were forced into prostitution after undergoing ritual oaths.”

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