The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals, including 91 men and two women, for alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration-related offences, following a major intelligence-led operation at Devtraco Estate in Accra.
The operation, led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo from GIS’s National Operations Unit, also rescued 73 victims who had reportedly endured severe torture and abuse at the hands of the suspects.
GIS, in a statement dated Monday, March 9 noted, “Items confiscated during the operation included counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, among other household appliances being used to support their activities.”
Investigations revealed that some suspects had entered Ghana via unapproved routes, while others had overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry granted to certain foreign nationals.
The rescued victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria, while further probes continue at GIS National Headquarters.
The GIS stressed the importance of compliance with Ghanaian law, highlighting the serious consequences of human trafficking and immigration violations.
“The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) prohibits recruiting, transporting, or harboring individuals through force, fraud, or abuse for exploitation. Penalties include 5–20 years imprisonment, with life imprisonment in cases involving children or aggravating factors, plus fines,” the statement read.
Additionally, the Service warned that, “Under the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), entering via unapproved routes or overstaying visas is criminal. Convicted offenders face summary conviction, fines, and 3 months to 2 years imprisonment.”
The Comptroller-General of Immigration urged all foreign nationals residing in Ghana to comply with the country’s laws to avoid prosecution.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
