Police Probe Viral Video of U.S. Citizen Claiming She Was Kidnapped by Men Posing as Officers
Accra, Ghana- The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has opened an investigation into a viral video in which an American woman, identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, alleged she was kidnapped and robbed by men she claimed were police officers. According to a statement signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer at the CID, the woman said five masked men, believed to be officers on snap-check duty in Accra, abducted her and stole money from her.
The CID said the video, which circulated widely online, was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey was reportedly staying with two companions. Investigators later confirmed that the group checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025, and flight records from Kotoka International Airport show she left Ghana the same day.
“The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist with the investigation,” the statement read. “She indicated she was out of the country and could not provide the names of the alleged officers or the number plate of the vehicle they used.” The CID said Ms. Mackey mentioned a friend who was with her at the time of the alleged incident but declined to share the person’s contact information, stating that the friend did not wish to be involved in the investigation.
Police added that the woman has since deleted the video from her social media account and has not responded to further attempts by investigators to reach her through calls or WhatsApp. “She has declined to respond and later blocked the investigation team,” the statement said.
Authorities say they are now working to reach Ms. Mackey through diplomatic channels to continue the investigation. The Police emphasized that they take all such allegations seriously and are determined to uncover the facts.
“The Ghana Police Service treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case,” the statement concluded.
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