Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a 22-year-old Nigerian hairdresser, Nicky Isabella, to five years imprisonment for trafficking two young Nigerian women to Ghana.
Isabella, popularly known as Bella, lured the victims to
Ghana under the pretext of offering them jobs, but upon arrival, she forced
them into pr0stitution.
The court presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa
Adjepong handed down the sentence on Friday, April 4, 2025, following a full
trial that culminated in Isabella’s conviction on two counts of human
trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime.
According to the facts presented in court, the victims, aged
22 and 23, were promised employment at a supermarket in Adjiringanor, Accra.
However, the reality they encountered was vastly different.
Upon arrival, Isabella reportedly seized their earnings and
forced them to swear an oath on a Bible. As part of the oath ritual, she cut
pieces of their pubic hair and threatened to use them in rituals if they
disobeyed her instructions.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police
(ASP) Isaac Babayi, told the court that Isabella conspired with an accomplice
named Nelly, who is currently at large, to traffic the victims from Nigeria to
Ghana in May 2024.
ASP Babayi further urged the court to impose a harsh
sentence, citing the premeditated and exploitative nature of Isabella’s actions
as a serious threat to society.
In her ruling, the trial judge considered several factors,
including Isabella’s young age, her status as a first-time offender, and the
period she had already spent in custody. However, she also noted Isabella’s
lack of remorse and the severity of the offense.
Isabella, who had no legal representation throughout the
trial, broke down in tears as the sentence was handed down.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana
Police Service has launched an investigation to apprehend Nelly, the fugitive
accomplice.
The two victims have since been rescued and are currently
receiving psychosocial support to aid their recovery.
Commenting on the case, Deputy Superintendent of Police
(DSP) William Ayariga, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, reiterated
the country’s zero tolerance for human trafficking.
"Ghana is not a haven for human traffickers. Those who
lure vulnerable people into Ghana and force them into prostitution will face
the full force of the law,” he stated.
DSP Ayariga also highlighted the Unit’s achievements,
revealing that they secured nine convictions last year, including a 20-year
sentence under the Human Trafficking Act.
He reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to continue cracking
down on human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
"We are not slowing down. We will continue arresting,
investigating, and prosecuting offenders. No form of human trafficking or
migrant smuggling will be tolerated in Ghana. Justice will prevail,” he said.
Court documents further revealed that Isabella admitted to
forcing the victims into prostitution and collecting all proceeds from their
work.
A subsequent search of her room uncovered a notebook used to
record the proceeds, along with strands of human hair, which she allegedly used
to intimidate the victims.
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