The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced Nicky Isabella, 22, to five years in prison for two Nigerian women trafficking two young Nigerian women.
Isabella, known as Bella, seduced Ghana’s victims with excuses to give them work, but upon arrival she forced them into PR0STOUTION.
The court presided over her honors Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong on Friday, April 4, 2025, which ultimately convicted Isabella on two counts of trafficking in persons and one count of conspiracy offense.
According to facts raised in court, the victims, aged 22 and 23, were promised employment in a supermarket near Accra. However, the reality they encounter is very different.
Upon arrival, Isabella reportedly grabbed their income and forced them to take the oath of office in the Bible. As part of the oath ceremony, she cut off a piece of her pubic hair and threatened to use them in the ceremony if they disobeyed instructions.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi, told the court that Isabella conspired with current Nelly’s accomplices, who is currently the entire person, a victim from Nigeria to Ghana in May 2024.
Asp Babayi further urged the court to impose a harsh judgment on the grounds that the premeditated and exploitative nature of Isabella’s actions is a serious threat to society.
In her ruling, the trial judge believed that it included Isabella’s age, the identity of the first-time offender and the period she had already spent in custody. However, she also pointed out that Isabella lacked remorse and the seriousness of crime.
Isabella, who had no legal representative throughout the trial, shed tears when she was judged under the judgment.
Meanwhile, the anti-human trafficking department of the Ghana Police Department has launched an investigation to arrest Nelli, a fugitive.
The two victims have since been rescued and are currently receiving psychosocial support to help with their recovery.
Commenting on the case, William Ayariga, deputy director of the Police Department (DSP), reiterated the country’s zero tolerance for human trafficking.
“Ghana is not a paradise for human traffickers. Those who lure vulnerable groups into Ghana and force them to engage in prostitution will face the full legal force,” he said.
DSP Ayariga also highlighted the department’s achievements, indicating that they signed nine convictions last year, including a 20-year prison sentence under the Trafficking Act.
He reiterated the force’s commitment to continue combating human trafficking and immigration smuggling.
“We will not slow down. We will continue to arrest, investigate and prosecute criminals. Ghana will not tolerate any form of human trafficking or immigration smuggling. Justice will prevail.”
Court documents further show that Isabella admitted to forcing the victim to engage in prostitution and collecting all proceeds from the work.
A subsequent search of her room found a notebook for recording proceeds, as well as the hair she allegedly used to intimidate the victims’ hair.
