A 25-year-old Okada rider, Baba Issa Zakaria, has been sentenced to ten years in prison by the Odumase Circuit Court in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Zakaria was found guilty of trafficking young Nigerian women into the country for prostitution. His accomplice, Ella Elizabeth, a 26-year-old Nigerian woman, was also charged and fined GHC 2,400 for trading in prostitution.
The court heard that Zakaria had been operating as a hookup agent, trafficking young women from Nigeria to Ghana, specifically to Lower Manya Krobo, where they were forced to engage in commercial sex work. The victims were housed in various locations in Agomanya, a suburb of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. According to the agreement between Zakaria and the victims, each paid an agent fee of GHC 150.00 weekly.
The case began when a report of assault was lodged against Zakaria, and subsequent investigations by the Odumase Police Station uncovered his activities. Prosecutors told the court that Zakaria had been trafficking women from Nigeria to Ghana since 2024 and operated several online groups to attract potential clients. The police investigation revealed that Zakaria had trafficked six women, including Ella Elizabeth, into the jurisdiction for sex work.
One of the incidents that led to Zakaria's arrest involved a customer, Desmond Agmortey, who had requested sexual services from Ella Elizabeth. However, a misunderstanding ensued, and Zakaria was called to intervene. Zakaria mobilized a gang and attacked Desmond Agmortey, subjecting him to torture and stripping him naked. The group inflicted machete wounds on him and captured the entire incident on video. Zakaria and Ella Elizabeth later demanded a ransom of GHC 1,200 from Desmond Agmortey and his brother, threatening to publish the naked video if the ransom was not paid.
The court sentenced Zakaria to ten years for sex extortion, five years for the use of trafficked persons, and fined him GHC 2,400 for trading in prostitution. He will serve his sentences concurrently, with other charges still pending before the court. Ella Elizabeth was fined GHC 2,400 or, in default, to serve one year in prison.
The trial judge imposed the sentences to serve as a deterrent, taking into account the premeditated and exploitative nature of the offenders' actions and the societal threat posed by human trafficking. The judge emphasized that human trafficking is a serious offense that undermines the dignity and rights of individuals.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking in Ghana and the need for continued efforts to combat this crime. The sentence imposed on Zakaria and Ella Elizabeth serves as a warning to others who engage in similar activities. It also underscores the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public in reporting suspicious activities.
The case has also brought to light the plight of trafficked Nigerian women in Ghana, who are forced to engage in commercial sex work. Many of these women are vulnerable and may be subjected to abuse and exploitation. The Ghanaian authorities must continue to work with international partners to address the root causes of human trafficking and provide support to victims.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Baba Issa Zakaria and Ella Elizabeth is a significant step in the fight against human trafficking in Ghana. It demonstrates the commitment of the Ghanaian authorities to combat this crime and protect the rights of individuals. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying issues that contribute to human trafficking and to provide support to victims.
Key Points
- Baba Issa Zakaria, a 25-year-old Okada rider, was sentenced to ten years in prison for trafficking Nigerian women into Ghana for prostitution.
- Zakaria operated as a hookup agent, trafficking young women from Nigeria to Ghana, specifically to Lower Manya Krobo.
- The victims were housed in various locations in Agomanya and forced to engage in commercial sex work.
- Zakaria was charged with seven counts, including abetment of crime, conspiracy to commit crime, stealing, sex extortion, trading in prostitution, and use of trafficked persons.
- Ella Elizabeth, a 26-year-old Nigerian woman, was fined GHC 2,400 for trading in prostitution.
- The court imposed the sentences to serve as a deterrent, taking into account the premeditated and exploitative nature of the offenders' actions.
This case highlights the need for continued efforts to combat human trafficking in Ghana and provide support to victims. The Ghanaian authorities must work with international partners to address the root causes of human trafficking and protect the rights of individuals.
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