The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspected members of a transnational kidnapping syndicate operating between Nigeria and Ghana. The suspects — Peter Okoye, Paulinus Chidokwe (35), and Chinonso Okafor (35) — were apprehended during a coordinated operation led by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The operation, carried out on May 1, 2025, also led to the successful rescue of two Ghanaian nationals — Anastasia Arthur (also known as Baidoo) and Amaseerwaa Konadu — who were held in captivity under harsh conditions.
The operation followed a report filed with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja on April 27th, 2025, regarding the abduction of 48-year-old Ghanaian national, Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo.
Investigations revealed that her kidnapping was connected to a sophisticated Facebook romance scam, involving a network of criminals operating across both countries.
The police, working closely with the Ghanaian Police Service, tracked down the suspects to Port-Harcourt.
A key breakthrough in the investigation was the arrest of Emeka Christian, a 27-year-old Nigerian national residing in Bolgatanga, Upper Eastern Ghana. Christian confessed to receiving a ransom payment of GH 10,000 Cedis for Ms. Baidoo, which he transferred to a Nigerian bank account linked to Okoye.
During the operation, the two victims, Ms. Baidoo and Amaseerwaa Konadu, were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical treatment after enduring harsh conditions while in captivity.
The suspects are currently under investigation, and legal action will follow upon the completion of the investigation.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers for their swift and coordinated efforts, underscoring the police commitment to tackling transnational crime and ensuring the safety of citizens.
The Nigeria Police Force has also warned the public to remain cautious of online romance scams and report any suspicious activities to the nearest law enforcement agency.