Two persons jailed for 20 years each for human trafficking, harm 

The Tema Circuit Court “B” has sentenced two Nigerian nationals to 20 years' imprisonment each for human trafficking and 10 years' imprisonment for causing harm, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The court, presided over by Her Honour Mrs Naomi Adusei Amanianpong Kuntour, discharged the two accused persons, Kingsley Ndifon and Emmanuel Akong, on the first count of conspiracy to commit a crime, namely human trafficking.

Both accused persons were sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment on count two, human trafficking, and 10 years' imprisonment on count three, causing harm.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mensah Kleku, prosecuting, told the court that the accused recruited victims from various states in Nigeria and brought them to Ghana under the pretext of securing them employment.

According to the prosecution, upon their arrival in Ghana, the victims were harboured in a house at Sebrepor, a suburb of Afienya, where they were forced to engage in cyber-related criminal activities against their will.

The court heard that the accused prevented the victims from communicating with their families and compelled them to participate in illegal activities.

Victims who failed to comply with the accused persons' instructions were allegedly subjected to severe beatings with machetes and electrical wires.

The prosecution said the victims were malnourished, in poor health and sustained cutlass wounds.

Police investigations revealed that some of the victims suffered serious injuries. They were initially treated at the Manhean Polyclinic in Tema before being referred to the Police Hospital in Accra for further treatment.

The prosecution said police later rescued the victims during an operation at Sebrepor and recovered electronic devices from the accused persons as part of investigations.

The court subsequently found the accused persons guilty on the charges of human trafficking and causing harm and sentenced them accordingly.

GNA