A report found by the family on an African news website stated that naval police had intercepted a boat arriving at Cape Verde’s capital Praia from Senegal.
According to the article, police arrested illegal immigrants on board and an Irishman who was leading the operation.
Mr Hughes said: “We think this report refers to Graham. I don’t know why they would think he was an Irishman.
“But it’s mind boggling that the police actually think a human trafficker would travel with the traffic. My parents are beside themselves with worry. It’s a bad time.”
Joao Roberto, director-general of the Liverpool-based Cape Verde Bureau said he was trying to contact a solicitor to represent Mr Hughes in court.
He said: “I think he was probably arrested in this fishing boat with a group of West African immigrants entering the country.
“I did inform the authorities that he would arrive on a certain date and apply for a visa on arrival.
“He’s got a British passport and a copy of the letter that I sent, so he should ok.”
