This case revolves around the alleged kidnapping of Diana Christine Nelson, an 80-year-old American woman, in Ghana. Two Nigerian nationals, Emmanuel Adedoyin Adebayor, a 28-year-old trader, and Esther Ogbonna, a beautician, have been apprehended and charged in connection with the crime. A third suspect, Dennis Poromo, remains at large. Adebayor and Poromo are facing charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and stealing, as well as the substantive charges of kidnapping and stealing. Ogbonna is charged with abetment. While Adebayor and Ogbonna have pleaded not guilty, they remain in custody, unable to meet the GHC500,000 bail requirement.
The incident began unfolding on December 6, 2024, when Ghanaian police received a report from FBI agents at the American Embassy in Accra regarding Nelson’s disappearance. She had arrived in Ghana on November 22, 2024, and had subsequently lost contact with her family. Investigations commenced immediately, with intelligence leading authorities to a hotel in Larteh Akwapim on December 8, 2024, where Nelson was believed to be held. This ultimately led to the arrest of Adebayor on December 11, 2024, while he was attempting to withdraw money from Nelson’s US bank accounts using her debit card.
Adebayor’s arrest provided the crucial breakthrough in the case. He subsequently led police to a residence in Tema Community 11, where Nelson was discovered held captive in an apartment. She was found in a state of distress and immediately received medical attention. The unfolding narrative revealed a calculated scheme to lure Nelson to Ghana under false pretenses. Adebayor, posing as “Mark Hammond,” a fictitious American actor, had established contact with Nelson and persuaded her to travel to the country.
Upon her arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Nelson was met by Ogbonna, who transported her first to an apartment in East Legon Hills, and later to the location in Tema Community 11 where she was ultimately rescued. Ogbonna, according to the prosecution, played a significant role in the kidnapping, providing care for Nelson throughout her captivity. Upon arrival, Nelson had four mobile phones and her bank cards confiscated by her captors, who also warned her against communicating with anyone.
The financial aspect of the crime involved the alleged withdrawal of $15,821.7 from Nelson’s bank account by Adebayor and Poromo. Additionally, a ransom demand of $150,000 was made to Nelson’s family. Authorities recovered GHC7,000 and GHC4,000 from Adebayor, representing proceeds from the sale of Nelson’s phones and a portion of the withdrawn funds, respectively. Three of the four phones—a Bru Phone, a Samsung Galaxy A15, and an iPhone 12—were reportedly sold at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra. The iPhone 12, however, remains unrecovered.
The case highlights the vulnerability of individuals, particularly senior citizens, to online scams and emphasizes the importance of vigilance when engaging with unfamiliar individuals online. The alleged actions of the accused demonstrate a premeditated plot involving deception, coercion, and financial exploitation. The prosecution’s case suggests a coordinated effort between the accused, with each playing a distinct role in the kidnapping and subsequent extortion attempt.
The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the culpability of Adebayor and Ogbonna, while the search for the at-large suspect, Poromo, continues. The recovery of the remaining iPhone 12 and the full extent of the financial transactions will likely form crucial aspects of the investigation and subsequent trial. The case has been adjourned to April 8, allowing time for further investigation and for the accused to secure legal representation. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the safety and security of foreign nationals visiting Ghana.
