A 22-year-old hairdresser, Nicky Isabella, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Achimota Circuit Court for trafficking two young Nigerian women into Ghana under false promises of employment.
Known popularly as Bella, Isabella deceived the victims—aged 22 and 23—by claiming she had secured supermarket jobs for them in Adjiringanor, Accra.
But when the women arrived in May 2024, they were instead forced into prostitution and stripped of their earnings.
The verdict was delivered on Friday, April 4, 2025, by Judge Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong following a full trial.
Prosecutors revealed that Isabella, alongside an accomplice identified only as Nelly—who remains at large—planned the trafficking operation and exploited the women upon their arrival in Ghana.
Investigations showed that Isabella confiscated the victims’ earnings and coerced them into swearing an oath on a Bible.
She also cut their pubic hair as part of a ritual, threatening to use it against them if they disobeyed her orders.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac Babayi, who led the prosecution, described the act as calculated and exploitative.
He urged the court to impose a firm sentence to serve as a deterrent.
In determining the sentence, the judge considered Isabella’s age, her status as a first-time offender, and time already served in custody.
However, the court also noted her lack of remorse and the serious nature of the crime.
Isabella, who had no legal representation during the trial, reportedly broke down in tears as the sentence was announced.
Court records confirmed that Isabella admitted to forcing the victims into prostitution, taking their money, and using spiritual threats to control them.
A search of her home revealed a notebook recording the victims’ earnings and a bundle of human hair, believed to be used as part of the intimidation tactics.
The two victims have since been rescued and are receiving psychosocial support.
Meanwhile, authorities are pursuing Isabella’s accomplice.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service has launched an active investigation to locate and arrest Nelly.
Commenting on the case, Deputy Superintendent of Police William Ayariga, head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, reaffirmed Ghana’s firm stance against human trafficking.
“Ghana will not be a haven for traffickers.
Anyone who exploits vulnerable individuals will face the full force of the law,” he stated, noting that the unit secured nine convictions last year, including a 20-year sentence in a landmark case.
“We are not slowing down.
We will continue to arrest, investigate, and prosecute offenders. Justice will prevail,” DSP Ayariga added.
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