Convict, Nicky Isabella
A 22-year-old Nigerian, Nicky Isabella, popularly known as Bella, has been sentenced to five years in prison with hard labour for trafficking two young Nigerian women into prostitution under the pretence of offering them employment in Ghana.
The Achimota Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong handed down the sentence on Friday, April 3, 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.
Court documents indicate that Isabella who is a hairdresser, conspired with an accomplice—identified only as Nelly and currently at large—to lure Grace Ebeagbor, alias Mimi (23), and Kikelomo John, alias Clara (22), from Nigeria to Ghana in May 2024.
The victims were promised jobs at a supermarket located at Ability Square in Adjiringanor, Accra. They were however allegedly forced into prostitution and the proceeds from their activities were seized by the convict and her partner.
The court heard during the trial that the convict made the victims swear an oath on a Bible and cut pieces of their pubic hair, threatening to use them for rituals should they attempt to escape or disobey her orders.
The court also heard that the victims were to work as prostitutes for a period of three to four months depending on the amount of money they make daily, before they could gain their freedom.
Nicky Isabella pleaded not guilty to the charges at the start of the case but the prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi, was able to prove her guilt by calling three witnesses.
Before sentencing, the court ordered a pregnancy test, which returned a negative result.
The court in its judgment considered Isabella’s young age, her status as a first-time offender, and the months she had already spent in custody.
The court however noted her lack of remorse during the trial and the serious societal threat posed by human trafficking.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service says investigations are ongoing to apprehend Isabella’s fugitive accomplice, Nelly.
The two victims have since been rescued and are currently receiving psychosocial support.
Meanwhile, the Director, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, DSP William Ayariga has sent a strong warning that Ghana is not a safe haven for human traffickers.
He said last year alone, the unit secured nine convictions, with one of the convicts receiving a 20-year sentence, the longest sentence ever handed down under the Human Trafficking Act.
“Let this be a warning—those who lure vulnerable people into Ghana and force them into prostitution will face the full force of the law. They can run, but they can’t hide. The long arm of the law will catch up with them,” DSP Ayariga added.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak