No fewer than 141 Nigerian nationals have been arrested in Ghana over their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled financial crimes, including mobile money fraud, business email compromise and other online scams.
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 operation was conducted across key locations in Tabora and Lashibi, two suburbs in the Greater Accra Region.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Ghana’s Commissioner for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, the joint operation led to the arrest of 100 suspects in Tabora and 41 others in Lashibi, bringing the total number of suspects apprehended to 141.
Preliminary investigations by Ghanaian authorities indicated that all the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals. Law enforcement agencies also recovered several items suspected to have been used in perpetrating cyber-related financial crimes. These include 38 laptops and about 150 mobile phones, which have since been taken in for forensic examination.
The statement further revealed that a Ghanaian landlord who allegedly accommodated about 100 of the suspects in his property was also arrested during the operation. Authorities warned that property owners have a legal and civic responsibility to ensure that their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activities.
The suspects are alleged to have been involved in a range of cyber offences, including mobile money fraud, romance scams, sextortion, business email compromise and wire fraud. These crimes often target unsuspecting victims through digital platforms, resulting in significant financial losses.
“Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law,” the statement said, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the criminal network.
Ghanaian authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious digital activities to the relevant agencies. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and safeguarding the country’s digital and financial systems.
“Ghana remains welcoming to all friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise,” the statement said. “However, if you are interested in committing cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws.”
The arrests highlight growing regional concerns over cybercrime in West Africa, as governments intensify cooperation and enforcement to curb digital fraud and protect citizens and businesses from online financial crimes.
