By Gbenga Ojikutu
The Nigerian Commission in Ghana says it has rescued 11 teenage girls trafficked into the country for prostitution, saying they have been taken into custody.
The Commission also confirmed the arrest of the suspect, Chukwudi Nwachukwu, who lured the girls to Ghana under the pretence of working at a restaurant.
This is contained in a memo signed by the Acting High Commissioner, Nigeria High Commission, Accra, Ghana, lfedayo Moses Adeoye.
The victims listed in the memo 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.
“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,” Adeoye said.
According to him, the High Commission had also taken custody of his passport, adding that police authorities were investigating the matter, and as soon as the investigation was completed, the High Commission would 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,” Adeoye added
