Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced Nicky Isabella, a 22-year-old hairdresser, to five years in prison for trafficking two Nigerian women into prostitution.
Isabella, who lured the victims under the guise of offering jobs in Ghana, forced them into prostitution upon their arrival.
The victims, aged 22 and 23, were promised supermarket jobs in Adjiringanor, Accra, but upon arrival, Isabella seized their earnings and coerced them into swearing an oath on a Bible, threatening them with rituals using pieces of their pubic hair if they disobeyed her orders.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi, emphasized the premeditated nature of Isabella’s crime and urged the court to impose a stringent sentence.
Isabella’s accomplice, Nelly, remains at large and is being sought by the police.
Despite Isabella’s young age and status as a first-time offender, the judge noted her lack of remorse and the severity of her crime.
Isabella broke down in tears when the sentence was read, while the victims have been rescued and are receiving psychosocial support.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service is continuing investigations to apprehend Nelly. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Ayariga, Director of the Unit, reaffirmed the commitment to pursuing traffickers, stating, “Ghana is not a safe haven for human traffickers, and justice will prevail.”
Court documents revealed that Isabella admitted to exploiting the victims, collecting their earnings, and using intimidation tactics, including a notebook with records of proceeds and human hair.
ALSO READ: