Police rescue 2 Ghanaian women abducted by fake Facebook lovers in Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued two Ghanaian women who were allegedly lured into the country by men posing as romantic partners on Facebook, only to be abducted upon arrival.

The rescue operation was confirmed in a statement released on Friday by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer. According to the statement, the police acted swiftly after a report was filed with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja.

The victims were said to have been deceived by suspects who built online relationships with them under false identities, convincing them to travel to Nigeria under the pretense of love and companionship. Upon their arrival, however, they were held against their will, prompting an urgent investigation and subsequent rescue.

The statement reads: “In a resounding victory against crime, particularly transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force has once again demonstrated its resolve to safeguarding lives and property, dealing a significant blow to organized criminal networks operating across international borders.”
According to the police, a report was filed with the NCB Abuja on April 27th, 2025, concerning the disappearance of one of the victims, identified as 48-year-old Anastasia Arthur, also known as Baidoo, a Ghanaian citizen.

The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) was subsequently deployed, leading to the rescue of two abducted Ghanaian nationals and the arrest of key members of a cross-border kidnapping ring.

“Initial investigations revealed that Ms. Baidoo’s abduction stemmed from a sophisticated Facebook love scam. Advanced technical analysis provided a lead to a key location connected to the perpetrators, and operatives were deployed for immediate action. Working in close collaboration with the Ghanaian Police Service, the IRT operatives identified a criminal syndicate with members operating in both Ghana and Nigeria,” the statement continued.

Further investigations led to the arrest of 27-year-old Emeka Christian in Bolgatanga, Upper East Ghana. He reportedly confessed to collecting a ransom payment of GH₵10,000 through his Ghanaian mobile account, which he then converted and transferred to a Nigerian bank account belonging to one Peter Okoye.

On May 1st, 2025, around 1:22 p.m., IRT operatives apprehended Peter Okoye in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was arrested alongside two other suspects, identified as 35-year-olds Paulinus Chidokwe and Chinonso Okafor. During the operation, the two Ghanaian women, Ms. Arthur and Amaseerwaa Konadu, were freed from captivity.

“The victims have been taken to the hospital for proper treatment having been held under dehumanizing circumstances, while the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and upon conclusion, those involved will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the operatives for the swift and coordinated rescue effort.

“This achievement underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and in collaboration with its international partners to combat transnational crime and ensure the safety and security of all individuals within and beyond our borders. The Nigeria Police Force urges the public to be wary of online romance scams and report any suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency, particularly the Nigeria Police Force via our contact handles,” the statement concluded.