The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested eight suspects in connection with the alleged assault of a 21-year-old man during a reported initiation into internet fraud at Kotokrom in the Sunyani West Municipality.
The victim, identified as Godstime Umukoro, reportedly sustained multiple assault marks after allegedly being subjected to a severe beating. The incident came to light on October 4, 2026, when a police patrol team responded to a distress call at approximately 4:30 p.m.
According to a police statement issued on October 9, 2026, officers received information that a group of individuals were attacking a man at Kotokrom. The patrol team subsequently proceeded to the location, where the eight suspects were arrested.
Suspects Allegedly Assaulted 21-Year-Old During Sakawa Initiation
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly told investigators they had beaten Umukoro as part of an initiation process into internet fraud, commonly known in Ghana as sakawa.
The suspects reportedly claimed that they had undergone a similar experience before becoming involved in the alleged fraudulent activities.
The Bono Regional Police Command is continuing its investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the alleged involvement of the suspects in internet-related crimes.
Police Investigate Alleged International Online Fraud Scheme
The police statement further indicated that preliminary investigations suggested the suspects had been brought to Ghana by an individual identified as Nwachukwu King Augustine, whom investigators described as their chairman.
The suspects are also alleged to have used downloaded photographs of foreign military personnel to deceive people through online conversations.
According to the police, the individuals allegedly posed as soldiers deployed to the war front in Yemen and used the false identities to persuade victims to send them money.
The money obtained through the alleged online fraud scheme was reportedly transferred into an account belonging to their leader, whom the police statement referred to as the “Boss.”
The allegations form part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected internet fraud network and the reported assault at Kotokrom.
Bono Police Commend Public for Assistance
The Bono Regional Police Command has commended members of the public for their prompt intervention and cooperation, which helped officers respond to the reported attack.
The command has also encouraged residents to continue providing credible information to law enforcement agencies to support efforts to combat crime, internet fraud and violent attacks in communities across Ghana.
The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about cybercrime and alleged fraudulent online activities, including schemes that exploit false identities to obtain money from unsuspecting victims.
The eight suspects remain accused persons, and the allegations against them have not been tested in court. They had not been independently reached for comment at the time of the report.
Source: newsthemegh.com