Police Bust Suspected Fraudsters’ Hideout

The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested eight suspected online fraudsters, believed to be Nigerian nationals, at a hideout in Kotokuom in the Sunyani East Municipality.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. following a tip-off from an informant who alerted the police to suspicious activities at the premises.

The operation reportedly followed information that a person allegedly being held inside the fenced, self-contained building had been heard crying for help through a window.

Three police officers who responded to the information stormed the premises, arrested the eight suspects and rescued the individual who had reportedly called for assistance.

The operation, however, was not without incident, as one of the suspects allegedly bit a police officer on the hand, leaving the officer injured.

Electronic Devices

The police retrieved several electronic devices from the premises, including approximately 19 mobile phones, tablets, laptops, a router, internet receivers and other equipment suspected to have been used for the alleged criminal activities.

The exact nature of the suspects’ operations remains unclear, while the circumstances surrounding the reported confinement of the rescued individual have yet to be fully established.

The arrests have triggered concern among residents of Kotokuom, who say they had little knowledge of the activities taking place inside the building.

Speaking to Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Sunyani-based Ark FM on Monday, October 5, some residents disclosed that one of the suspects was occasionally seen leaving the premises to purchase food and other necessities for the group.

They said the development had raised questions about how the occupants allegedly operated within the community without attracting much attention.

Landlords Warned

Some residents have called on the authorities to ensure that the suspects face the appropriate legal processes if investigations establish their involvement in criminal activities.

They have also urged the relevant authorities to consider repatriation in accordance with the law, where applicable.

The residents further appealed to landlords to conduct proper background checks and make adequate enquiries about prospective tenants before renting out their properties.

According to them, such measures could help prevent residential buildings from being turned into hideouts for criminal activities.

The police are expected to conduct further investigations into the alleged activities of the suspects and establish whether other individuals may have been involved.

The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.