Nigerian Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking 10 Girls to Ghana
Investigations showed that Nwachukwu financed the victims’ transportation from Nigeria
- Chukwudi Nwachukwu was sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking 10 girls
- The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, with NIDO and Challenging Heights, rescued the victims
- Ghanaian authorities emphasized that the country will not tolerate human trafficking
The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced Chukwudi Nwachukwu, a 29-year-old Nigerian, to 10 years’ imprisonment for trafficking 10 girls, including his sister, from Nigeria to Ghana for prostitution.
The victims, aged 15 to 18, were lured with promises of decent jobs but were forced into prostitution upon arrival in Ghana. According to the prosecution, Nwachukwu demanded GH₵300 daily from each victim for engaging in sex work at Odorkor, a suburb of Accra.
Presiding judge Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong found Nwachukwu guilty on two counts of human trafficking. The sentences are to run concurrently. In addition, he is required to pay GH₵15,000 compensation to each victim.
While acknowledging that Nwachukwu was a first-time offender who pleaded for leniency, the court cited the rising prevalence of human trafficking as a reason for imposing a deterrent sentence.
The prosecution, led by ASP Isaac Babayi, revealed that the victims were rescued on June 7, 2024, following a report from Nmai Dzorn Police Station. Chief Calistus Eloziepuwa of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Ghana played a key role in the rescue operation.
Investigations showed that Nwachukwu financed the victims’ transportation from Nigeria and, with the help of accomplices, exploited them through prostitution. The victims were initially held at his residence near Liberia Camp, where they were subjected to threats and rituals before being sent to Odorkor. Daily earnings were meticulously recorded in an exercise book.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Ghana Police Service, supported by Challenging Heights, successfully rescued the victims. DSP William Ayaregah, Director of AHTU, stated:
“Human trafficking is a crime against humanity. Ghana is not a safe haven for criminals — wherever you are, we will come after you.”
Chief Calistus Eloziepuwa commended the Ghana Police Service for their effective collaboration, adding:
“Justice has been served for the victims. Ghana is not fertile ground for criminal activities. We must all work together to eliminate human trafficking and restore dignity to our nations.”
