Nigerian Hairdresser Jailed in Ghana for Human Trafficking, Forced Prostitution

A Nigerian hairdresser, 22-year-old Nicky Isabella, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Achimota Circuit Court in Ghana for trafficking two young Nigerian women and coercing them into prostitution. Known as Bella, Isabella lured the victims to Ghana under the false promise of supermarket jobs in Adjiringanor, Accra, only to force them into sex work upon arrival.

The conviction was delivered on Friday, April 4, 2025, by Her Honour Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong after a full trial. Isabella was found guilty on two counts of human trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime.

Court proceedings revealed that upon arriving in Ghana in May 2024, the victims—aged 22 and 23—were stripped of their earnings and subjected to disturbing rituals. Isabella reportedly forced them to swear an oath on a Bible while she cut their pubic hair, threatening to use it in spiritual rituals if they disobeyed.

Prosecutor ASP Isaac Babayi told the court that Isabella had conspired with another individual, known only as Nelly, who remains at large. He urged the court to deliver a stiff sentence due to the calculated and exploitative nature of the crime.

In her ruling, the judge acknowledged Isabella’s age and status as a first-time offender, as well as the time already spent in custody. However, the court weighed these against the gravity of the offense and her apparent lack of remorse. Isabella, who had no legal representation during the trial, broke down in tears as the verdict was read.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service has launched a search for Nelly. The two victims have been rescued and are now receiving psychosocial support.

Commenting on the case, DSP William Ayariga, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, emphasized Ghana’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking. He stated that perpetrators who exploit vulnerable individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. DSP Ayariga also noted that the Unit secured nine convictions last year, including a 20-year sentence under the Human Trafficking Act.

A search of Isabella’s residence uncovered a notebook used to track earnings from the victims’ forced sex work, along with strands of human hair used to intimidate them. Court documents confirmed that Isabella admitted to forcing the women into prostitution and taking all proceeds.

The authorities have pledged to continue their crackdown on human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the country.