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 prostitution.
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.
