14-Year-Old Boy Among 23 Arrested in Ada East Over Suspected Scam
National Security operatives arrest 23 suspects, including a 14-year-old, in Kasseh over alleged fraudulent activities and recruitment of minors
- National Security operatives in Ada East arrested 23 individuals, including a 14-year-old boy, over alleged fraudulent activities in Kasseh
- The suspects, mostly Nigerians, claimed to be distributors for Neolife, while minors were reportedly lured into the scheme
- Authorities have confiscated phones, syringes, and expired medications, and suspects remain in police custody pending further investigation
National Security operatives in the Ada East District have arrested 23 individuals, including a 14-year-old boy, over alleged fraudulent activities in Kasseh.
The suspects, apprehended on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, include 13 males and 10 females—21 Nigerians and two Ghanaians.
Peter Mensah Afanu, Ada East District National Security Coordinator, told the Ghana News Agency that intelligence gathered three weeks ago led to surveillance of the group’s activities and meetings.
He said the suspects were eventually traced to a church premises, where they were holding what authorities believe was an operational meeting.
According to Mr. Afanu, the group claimed to be distributors for a company called Neolife, presenting themselves as legitimate sales agents. He added that two minors, aged 14 and 15, had been recruited into the network.
A search of the suspects’ belongings recovered 25 mobile phones, three syringes, and assorted medications, some of which had expired in 2024. Preliminary investigations suggest the group had been operating for nearly two years across communities including Ada, Kasseh, Tojeh, Sogakorpe, and Sege.
The National Security Headquarters has directed that the suspects remain in police custody pending transfer to Accra for further investigations. Mr. Afanu urged parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children closely to prevent involvement in similar networks.
The alleged leader of the group, 28-year-old Success Clement Nwafo Chidimma, claimed they were “only young people trying to make a living” and denied any intention to defraud the public. She insisted their activities were commercial, selling products only to willing buyers, and appealed for leniency.
The 14-year-old suspect revealed that his parents could not afford to enroll him in school. He said he was approached by a group member with promises of earning money and was told he had to sell products worth GH¢450 to qualify as an official distributor.
