Two Nigerian nationals, alleged former members of the Niger-Delta militant group, have been granted bail by the Circuit Court 3 in Accra after being accused of plotting to kidnap individuals in Ghana for ransom.
The accused persons – Joseph Howell, 43, a self-styled private security officer, and Japhet Graham, 53, who claims to be a businessman — were each admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties, all to be justified with landed property.
The original and registered documents covering the property must be submitted to the court’s registry in the names of the sureties.
Presiding Judge Her Honour Susana Eduful also directed that the accused must report to the case investigator on the last Thursday of every month until otherwise stated.
The case has been adjourned to October 27, 2025, when the accused are expected to take their plea. This will mark their third appearance before the court.
Serious Charges of Kidnapping Conspiracy
The accused are facing a charge of Attempt to Commit Crime, namely Kidnapping, contrary to Sections 18(1)(a) and 89 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jacob Maalo Kuubal Esq, the accused were part of a coordinated cross-border kidnapping syndicate, with alleged roots in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.
Brief facts presented in court revealed that on September 5, 2025, Joseph Howell and Japhet Graham allegedly accepted a proposal from one Tari Tiemo, the suspected gang coordinator, to travel to Ghana and kidnap individuals — particularly targeting affluent expatriates, referred to in their coded conversations as “Oborobo” or “big men”.
The plan involved abducting victims and transporting them to Nigeria for ransom negotiations.
Investigations by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in collaboration with Nigerian Police Intelligence and INTERPOL NCB revealed detailed conversations among group members, including suspects identified as Mathew (Lagos), Smart Christmas Alfred (Ondo State) and Adusa Oyile (Delta River State).
These individuals reportedly contacted Tiemo, seeking funds for transport to Ghana, to execute the kidnapping operation.
The accused were arrested in Aflao, in the Volta Region of Ghana, after mobile phone communications linked them to the plot.
According to investigators, both men entered Ghana illegally and were staying at Prince Hotel in Aflao, allegedly under the coordination of Tiemo.
During interrogation, Howell claimed he came to Ghana to collect ₦1.5 million owed to him by his “uncle,” Tari Tiemo.
Graham also claimed he came to retrieve the same amount from one Jonas, a mutual acquaintance of Tiemo.
Authorities believe these claims were part of a cover story. Howell admitted affiliation with at least three security groups operating along the Delta River, strengthening suspicions of his involvement in organised criminal activity.
Both suspects initially denied knowing each other but later admitted they were received by the same contact in Ghana.
Tiemo, who has already been arrested in Nigeria, is said to be cooperating with investigators and has provided names of other accomplices in both Ghana and Nigeria. Security agencies are currently working to apprehend these individuals.
The accused were represented in court by Marcellus Biah, holding brief for Martin Kpebu.
As the investigation continues, the court awaits the formal plea of the accused on the adjourned date.
