The Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, has confirmed the safe return of two Ghanaian women who were kidnapped and trafficked to Nigeria following a romance scam. Evelyn Serwaa Konadu and Anastasia Baidoo were received by DCOP Donkor and her team at the Kotoka International Airport today, May 9, 2025, at 1:45 pm, after their rescue in Nigeria.
DCOP Donkor stated during a press briefing that the victims were successfully rescued through the collaborative efforts of the Ghana Police Service, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Signals Bureau. The women had been receiving medical treatment in a secure health facility in Nigeria prior to their return. They were accompanied on their flight from Abuja by an official from the research department of the Ghana High Commission, who verified their identities.
“As we stated then, arrangements were underway to safely transport the victims back to Ghana . I am pleased to confirm that at 1:45 pm today, on the African World Airline Fligh from Abuja to Accra, I received the victims at the Kotoka International Airport”. She stated. “They were accompanied by an official of the research department at the Ghana High Commission who confirmed that these were the women we were expecting.”
According to DCOP Donkor, both women are in stable condition and will undergo necessary medical assessments and standard police procedures to provide their accounts, which will aid ongoing investigations. She reiterated the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to crime prevention, detection, apprehension, and prosecution.
Highlighting the concerning increase in romance scams and other cybercrimes, DCOP Donkor urged the public to exercise heightened caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals online. She advised against sharing personal or financial information and encouraged citizens to report any suspicious online activity to the police.
“We would like to take this opportunity to alert the general public to a concerning rise in romance scams and other forms of online fraud. We urge everyone to exercise caution when interacting with unknown persons online.” She said.
On behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, DCOP Donkor expressed sincere gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force, the National Signals Bureau, and all officers involved for their invaluable support and cooperation in the rescue operation.
The rescue mission was initiated following the widespread circulation of a social media video depicting one of the victims bound and physically assaulted by unidentified individuals.
Story by: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
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