A disturbing tale of digital deception, abduction, and international cooperation has come to light as the Ghana Police Service confirmed the rescue of two women who were lured into a trap through an online romance scam and subsequently kidnapped in Nigeria.
According to authorities, the victims, Anastasia Badoo Atta and Serwaa Konadu, were targeted by suspects who approached them on Facebook posing as white men interested in marriage.
“The suspects met the two victims through their Facebook accounts, posed as white men who wanted to marry them, and convinced them to accept the marriage proposal,” said DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
The elaborate ruse led the women to travel to Nigeria, where they were abducted.
Their ordeal came to public attention after a harrowing video surfaced online showing them in distress, prompting widespread outrage and urgent demands for their rescue.
Acting swiftly, the Ghana Police Service, in partnership with the National Signals Bureau (NSB) and the Nigerian Police Force, mounted a coordinated cross-border operation.
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the case, with apprehensions made at various locations in both Ghana and Nigeria.
“At the moment, information received from our counterparts in Nigeria indicates that both victims are fine. They have received routine medical checks,” DCOP Donkor assured.
