Court jails Nigerian hairdresser for trafficking women into prostitution
A Nigerian hairdresser, Nicky Isabella, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Achimota Circuit Court for trafficking two young women into Ghana
The 22-year-old Isabella, popularly known as Bella, was found guilty after a full trial overseen by Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong.
According to Ghana News Agency (GNA), the court heard that Isabella lured the victims, aged 22 and 23, to Ghana with promises of supermarket jobs in Adjiringanor, Accra. However, upon their arrival, she forced them into prostitution, confiscated their earnings, and subjected them to harsh and abusive conditions.
In an attempt to control the victims, Isabella made them swear an oath on a Bible and cut pieces of their pubic hair, threatening to use them in rituals if they did not obey her.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi, revealed that Isabella had conspired with an accomplice, Nelly, who is still on the run, to traffic the victims from Nigeria to Ghana in May 2024.
ASP Babayi urged the court to impose a severe sentence to deter similar crimes, highlighting the calculated and exploitative nature of Isabella’s actions. The trial judge took into account Isabella’s age, first-time offender status, and time spent in custody, but stressed her lack of remorse and the serious societal threat posed by human trafficking.
Isabella, who had no legal representation, broke down in tears as the five-year sentence was handed down. Meanwhile, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service is continuing its efforts to apprehend Nelly.
The victims have been rescued and are currently receiving psychosocial support. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Ayariga, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, emphasized that Ghana is no safe haven for human traffickers.
He vowed that traffickers would face the full force of the law, stating, “No form of human trafficking or migrant smuggling will be tolerated in Ghana. Justice will prevail.”
DSP Ayariga also highlighted the Unit’s success in securing nine convictions last year, including one involving a 20-year sentence under the Human Trafficking Act, reinforcing the commitment to investigating and prosecuting offenders.
Court documents revealed that Isabella admitted to forcing the victims into prostitution and keeping their earnings. During a search of her residence, authorities discovered a notebook used to record the proceeds and human hair, which Isabella used to intimidate the victims.
The investigation is ongoing, with further actions expected in the pursuit of Isabella’s accomplice.
By Joyce Kpeglo
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