By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a significant victory against transnational crime, showcasing its determination to protect lives and property. Following a report filed on April 27, 2025, regarding the kidnapping of Anastasia Arthur, a 48-year-old Ghanaian national, the police force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) successfully rescued two kidnapped Ghanaian nationals and apprehended a key kidnapping syndicate operating across international borders.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force public relations officer FPRO, in an official signed statement disclosed that initial investigations revealed that the abduction stemmed from a sophisticated Facebook love scam. Advanced technical analysis provided a lead to a key location connected to the perpetrators, prompting immediate action. In close collaboration with the Ghanaian Police Service, the IRT operatives identified a criminal syndicate with members operating in both Ghana and Nigeria.
“The investigation led to the arrest of Emeka Christian, a 27-year-old Nigerian national residing in Bolgatanga, Upper Eastern Ghana, who confessed to receiving GH 10,000 Cedis as ransom money for the victim through his Ghanaian mobile account. He admitted to transferring the Naira equivalent to a Nigerian bank account belonging to Peter Okoye.
“On May 1, 2025, at approximately 1:22 PM, IRT operatives tracked Peter Okoye, the prime suspect, to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and apprehended him along with members of his syndicate, Paulinus Chidokwe and Chinonso Okafor. During the operation, the two Ghanaian women, Anastasia Arthur and Amaseerwaa Konadu, who were victims of the abductors, were rescued.
“The victims were taken to the hospital for proper treatment after being held under dehumanizing circumstances. The suspects are currently undergoing investigation, and upon conclusion, they will face the full wrath of the law.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers for their swift and coordinated operation, which led to the successful rescue of the foreign nationals. This achievement highlights the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating transnational crime and ensuring safety and security within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“The Nigeria Police Force urges the public to be cautious of online romance scams and report any suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency or through their contact handles; Email: pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, X: @PoliceNG, Facebook: @ngpolice, Instagram: nigeriapoliceforce” The statement concluded.
