A 22-year-old Nigerian hairdresser, Nicky Isabella, also known as Bella, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Achimota Circuit Court in Accra for human trafficking. She was convicted of luring two young Nigerian women to Ghana under false promises of jobs and subsequently forcing them into prostitution.
The court heard that Isabella promised the victims, aged 22 and 23, supermarket jobs in Adjiringanor. However, upon arrival in Ghana in May 2024, Isabella seized their earnings and coerced them into prostitution. She also forced them to take an oath on a Bible, including a ritual involving their pubic hair, threatening them with rituals if they disobeyed.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi, prosecuting, urged a harsh sentence due to the premeditated and exploitative nature of Isabella’s actions. While the judge considered Isabella’s age and first-time offender status, she also noted her lack of remorse and the severity of the crime in handing down the five-year sentence. Isabella, who had no legal representation, wept upon hearing the verdict.
The Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit is now pursuing Nelly, Isabella’s accomplice who is currently at large. The rescued victims are receiving psychosocial support.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Ayariga of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit reiterated Ghana’s zero tolerance for human trafficking, stating that those who exploit vulnerable individuals will face the law. He highlighted the Unit’s previous successes, including a 20-year sentence secured last year, and affirmed their ongoing commitment to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Ghana.
Court documents revealed Isabella admitted to forcing the victims into prostitution and taking their earnings, with a notebook detailing the proceeds and strands of hair used for intimidation found in her room.
