141 Nigerians arrested in Ghana over fraud, romance scam and s3xtortion

Sunday, December 28, 2025 - 141 Nigerian nationals have been arrested over their alleged involvement in cyber-crime, including mobile money fraud, romance scam, s3xtortion and business email compromise scams in Ghana. 

The arrests were made in the early hours of Saturday, December 27, 2025 following a coordinated intelligence-led swoop in the Lashibi and Tabora suburbs of Accra.

The arrests followed a coordinated early-morning operation carried out by the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service.

The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samul Nartey George, who made the announcement in a statement said 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora while 41 others were picked up in Lashibi, all of whom are believed to be Nigerian nationals. 

Law enforcement agencies also recovered 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones suspected to have been used in perpetrating cyber-related financial crimes.

He disclosed that during the operation, a Ghanaian landlord who allegedly accommodated about 100 of the suspects in his house was also arrested.

The suspects were allegedly involved in offences including mobile money fraud, romance scams, sextortion, business email compromise and wire fraud. 

“This morning, the Cyber Security Authority Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service HQ, conducted a coordinated early-morning operation targeting organised cybercrime networks involved in Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams,” the statement read.

The intelligence-led operation was carried out across key locations in Tabora and Lashibi. During the operation, 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 suspects were apprehended in Lashibi, resulting in a total of 141 arrests. 

"Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals. Law enforcement agencies also recovered 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones, suspected to have been used in the commission of cyber-enabled financial crimes. 

"The team also arrested the Ghanaian landlord who accommodated 100 of the suspects in his house. Landlords have a duty to ensure that their premises are not used to facilitate or perpetuate crime. 

"The suspects are alleged to have been involved in several criminal activities, including:  Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud, Romance scams, Sextortion, Business Email Compromise (BEC) Wire fraud.

"Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found to be culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law. 

"The public is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious digital activities, and continue to support national efforts to combat cybercrime.

“Ghana remains welcoming to all of our friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise. However, if you are interested in committing a cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws."