The Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team of the Ghana Police Service has arrested 11 individuals, including several Nigerian nationals, over an alleged cyber fraud operation involving the use of artificial intelligence generated videos to impersonate President John Dramani Mahama online.
According to police sources who spoke to Myjoyonline.com, the suspects were apprehended during a series of coordinated cyber intelligence operations carried out between May 1 and May 4, 2026, across multiple communities in the Volta Region.
The first phase of the operation was conducted in Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi, and Aflao, leading to the arrest of Raphael Ablordeppey, Anipah Jonathan, Dzamesi Bright Kofi, Thomas Ayoyo, and Louis Segbawu following intelligence gathered on individuals allegedly producing and distributing manipulated digital video content designed to falsely portray the President.
Investigators subsequently expanded the operation on May 4 through additional cyber tracking activities in Aflao, resulting in the arrest of five Nigerian suspects alongside one Ghanaian national believed to be connected to similar fraudulent online schemes.
The additional suspects were identified as Bishop Esiri, Wisdom James, Ali Lucky, Edwin Edos, John Kofi Darlington, and Danu Peter, who police say were allegedly involved in coordinated internet based deception activities using artificial intelligence technology.
During the operations, law enforcement officers retrieved several items believed to be connected to the alleged cybercrime network, including laptop computers, mobile phones, internet routers, and approximately 120 pre registered SIM cards. Officers also impounded a Nigerian registered Mercedes-Benz ML 350 bearing registration number Lagos LSR 138HR.
According to preliminary police investigations, the suspects allegedly used manipulated AI generated videos and other fraudulent digital materials to solicit money and obtain sensitive personal information from unsuspecting members of the public through online platforms and social media channels.
Investigators further believe the suspects may be linked to a broader transnational cybercrime network specialising in the production and circulation of deceptive digital content aimed at impersonating prominent public figures for financial benefit.
The case was brought before court on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, where nine of the eleven accused persons were remanded into police custody pending further investigations and ordered to reappear before the court on May 25, 2026.
However, two suspects, Thomas Ayoyo and Louis Segbawu, were granted bail with two justified sureties as legal proceedings continue.
The latest arrests underscore growing concerns surrounding the misuse of artificial intelligence technology in cybercrime activities and the increasing sophistication of online fraud schemes targeting public trust and digital security in Ghana.
