The Western Central Regional Police has rescued a 15-year-old Nigerian girl who was trafficked from her home country to Tarkwa, Ghana, and forced into sexual exploitation.
In a press release dated November 5, 2025, the police stated that the rescue operation was carried out by the Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).
According to the police, the breakthrough came after the victim’s father, Ogbonno Onuigbo, reported his daughter missing in Nigeria in October 2025. He later received a call from his distressed daughter on October 24, 2025, during which she revealed she had been trafficked to Ghana and was being abused.
This report triggered a police investigation that led to the arrest of 25-year-old Joy Ogbonna at Aboso, near Tarkwa, on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Police findings outline a harrowing sequence of events. The investigation indicates that the victim was initially lured from Enugu, Nigeria, to Lagos by a woman identified as Golden Blessing, who is currently at large.
The suspect allegedly promised the teenager a cleaning job. Instead, she was handed over to Joy Ogbonna, who transported her to Tarkwa in Ghana.
Upon arrival, the victim was confined to a room, coerced into sex work, and all the money she earned was taken from her by the suspect.
The victim’s ordeal only ended after an intervention of a helpful passerby, who enabled her to contact her father. This crucial act led directly to her rescue by the police.
A medical examination following her rescue confirmed that the victim is five weeks pregnant.
The suspect, Joy Ogbonna, is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned before the court soon. The police have also intensified efforts to arrest her accomplice, Golden Blessing, who is believed to have fled to Nigeria.
The Western Central Regional Police Command, in its statement, commended the public for their support and timely intervention. The command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons from all forms of exploitation.
