Freda Arnong, a staff member of the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, has died following an alleged abduction and assault, sparking concern within the diplomatic community in Nigeria’s capital.
The tragic incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday, July 1, was confirmed to TheCable by officials of the Ghanaian mission. Arnong served as a Domestic Assistant to the Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission.
“Yes… Ms. Freda Arnong was a Domestic Assistant to the Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission. The Police CID is investigating,” a staff member of the High Commission said on Wednesday.
According to reports by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, Arnong boarded a taxi around 7:00 p.m. at Transcorp Junction, Abuja. The vehicle was reportedly already occupied by four unidentified men. The cab allegedly diverted from its original route under suspicious circumstances.
She was later found in critical condition along Airport Road by a passerby, who rushed her to the National Hospital, Abuja. Arnong sadly succumbed to her injuries by Monday afternoon, sources familiar with the matter said.
Her body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is currently handling the case, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the culprits.
The incident has sparked renewed concern among foreign missions and expatriates in the capital over security and safety.
When contacted, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, had yet to provide an official response as of press time.
The Ghanaian High Commission said it is cooperating with Nigerian authorities and closely following the investigation.
