Nigerian lady jailed five years for trafficking victims into forced prostitution in Accra

A 22-year-old hairdresser, Nicky Isabella—widely known as Bella—has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Achimota Circuit Court for trafficking two Nigerian women into Ghana and coercing them into prostitution.

Isabella deceived the victims, aged 22 and 23, by promising them jobs at a supermarket in Adjiringanor, Accra. However, upon their arrival in May 2024, she forced them into sex work, confiscated their earnings, and subjected them to psychological abuse. As part of her control tactics, she reportedly made them take oaths using a Bible, cut off parts of their pubic hair, and threatened to use them in rituals should they defy her.

The court presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, delivered the verdict after a full trial. Prosecutor ASP Isaac Babayi told the court that Isabella worked in collaboration with an accomplice named Nelly—currently on the run—to traffic the victims from Nigeria.

ASP Babayi called for a severe penalty, pointing to the calculated nature of Isabella’s actions. The judge, while noting Isabella's youth and lack of prior offenses, also cited her apparent lack of remorse and the gravity of the crime in determining the sentence. Isabella, unrepresented by legal counsel, broke down when the verdict was announced.

Authorities later found a notebook in Isabella’s residence that tracked the proceeds she extorted, along with strands of human hair used to intimidate the victims.

The victims have since been rescued and are receiving psychological support. DSP William Ayariga, head of the Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, emphasized that Ghana will not tolerate human trafficking and reaffirmed the Unit’s resolve to arrest and prosecute offenders.

“Ghana is no haven for traffickers,” DSP Ayariga stated. “We will not relent in our efforts to ensure justice. Our team secured nine convictions last year, including one 20-year sentence, and we intend to build on that progress.”

Investigations are ongoing to locate and arrest Isabella’s accomplice, Nelly.