The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana has stated that no fewer than 11 teenage girls who were trafficked to the country for prostitution have been rescued and taken into custody.
While disclosing that the victims will be reunited with their families in Nigeria, the commission stated that the suspect, Chukwudi Nwachukwu, who lured the girls to Ghana under the pretence of working at a restaurant, has been arrested.
In a memo signed by the Acting High Commissioner, Nigeria High Commission, Accra, Ghana, Ambassador Adeoye Adeoye, the 11 victims from Imo and Plateau were identified as 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.”
