Nigerian woman jailed seven years for human trafficking in Tamale

A 24-year-old Nigerian woman has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for human trafficking after a trial at the Gender-Based Violence Court in Tamale.

Mariam Yussif was convicted on October 22, 2026, following a police investigation into the alleged recruitment and movement of victims from Nigeria to Ghana for sexual exploitation.

The Northern Regional Police Command said Yussif and her 22-year-old sister, Precious Clement, were arrested at Yendi on August 17, 2026, over their alleged involvement in the operation.

Yussif was subsequently charged under Section 2(1) of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), and appeared before the court on August 19. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded into custody while the case proceeded.

After several adjournments, the court concluded the trial and found her guilty, leading to the custodial sentence.

She has since been transferred to Tamale Central Prison to begin serving her term.

Sister released, victims reunited with families

The police said no case was established against Clement, who was released.

The two victims connected to the case have also been repatriated to Nigeria and reunited with their respective families.

The outcome brings the prosecution to a close against Yussif, while the release of her sister underscores the need for individual responsibility to be established through evidence in trafficking investigations.

The Northern Regional Police Command said the conviction demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led operations, thorough investigations and effective prosecution in tackling human trafficking.

It urged members of the public to report suspected trafficking cases to the appropriate authorities, reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable people and pursuing those involved in the crime.

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, movement or receipt of people through prohibited means for the purpose of exploitation. Sexual exploitation is one of the forms of abuse traffickers may seek to facilitate.

The police have encouraged the public to remain alert to suspected cases and provide information that could help law enforcement agencies intervene and protect potential victims.