The suspected kingpin, who trafficked eleven Nigerian girls to Ghana, has been arrested.

The Nigeria High Commission in Accra, Ghana, has taken custody of the eleven girls rescued on Thursday, June 6, at the Wiennbba Central Region, Ghana.

The suspected kingpin of the human trafficking, Mr Chukwudi Virginus Nwachukwu, is be­ing detained at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra, with his passport already confiscated.

This was confirmed in a memo obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

The matter is already being investigated by the Ghanaian Police.

The eleven trafficked Nigerian girls were rescued by officials of the Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Ghana chapter, led by its President, Prince Olayemi Akinwande.

The victims, aged between 14 to 18 years, are at present being kept by the High Commission at number 15 Circular Road, cantonment, the memo from the ministry said, adding that they are currently receiving support, care, counseling and food provided by the Mission.

The memo said, “The alleged kingpin of the human trafficking, who brought the girls to Ghana, Mr. Chukwudi Virginus Nwachukwu, has been arrested. He is being detained at the Gha­na Police Headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

“The High Commission has also taken custody of his passport.

“Police authorities are investigating the matter and as soon as the investigation is completed, the High Commission would make arrangement to reunite them with their families in Nigeria.”

The memo further said, “Investigations revealed that the victims were deceived by the traffickers who promised them restaurant jobs.

“It is noteworthy to mention that none of the victims had international passports. They claimed they were ferried by boats from Mile 2 Waterside in Lagos to Port Novo, from where they were transported by road to Ghana.

“Upon arrival in Ghana, they claimed they were forced into prostitution after undergoing ritual oaths.” (Daily Independent)