Nigerian Commission in Ghana supports trafficked adolescent girls

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

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

According to Adeoye, the 11 rescued victims, aged between 14 and 18, were 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 years old. Simi John, 16, and Miracle Okoye, 15.

Adeoye said: “We are honored to announce that the Nigerian High Commission in Accra has taken charge of the eleven (11) trafficked Nigerian girls who were rescued on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in Wiennbba, central region of Ghana.

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

“The victims, aged between 14 and 18, are currently detained by the High Commission at No. 15, Circular Road, Cantonment, Accra.

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

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

“The High Commission also took care 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 had promised them jobs in the restaurant industry. It should be noted that none of the victims have international passports.

“They claimed that they were transported by boat from kilometer 2 of the Lagos seaside to Porto-Novo, from where they were transported by road to Ghana.

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

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