CID probes alleged kidnapping, robbery of American national

Accra, Dec. 9, – The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has opened an investigation into a viral video in which an American citizen, Arianna Naomi Mackey, alleges that she was kidnapped and robbed by five masked men she claims were police officers.

According to Ms Mackey, the incident occurred during a snap-check operation in Accra, where the men allegedly abducted her and took an unspecified amount of money from her.

A press release issued by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, on Tuesday, said preliminary investigations established that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms Mackey had been staying with two companions.

The statement said further checks confirmed that Ms Mackey and her companions checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025, and immigration records at the Kotoka International Airport showed that she departed Ghana on the same day.

Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist with investigations. However, she informed officers that she was no longer in Ghana and was unable to provide key details, including the identities of the alleged officers involved or the registration number of the vehicle purportedly used in the incident.

The CID also requested contact details of a friend Ms Mackey said was with her at the time of the alleged incident, but she indicated that the individual did not wish to participate in the investigation.

The statement said Ms Mackey has since deleted the video from her social media page, and repeated attempts by investigators to reach her through WhatsApp calls and messages have been unsuccessful.

“She declined to respond and later blocked the investigative team,” the CID noted.

Meanwhile, the Police said efforts were underway to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.

“The Ghana Police Service treats allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding this case,” the statement added.

GHBUSS