Nigerian commission in Ghana takes custody of trafficked girls — Nigeria — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana says no less than 11 teenage girls 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 said the suspect, Chukwudi Nwachukwu, who lured the girls to Ghana under the pretext of working in a restaurant, has been arrested.

In a note signed by the Acting High Commissioner of the Nigerian High Commission in 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 years old, 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 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, in the region central 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. »