Okada rider jailed 10 years for trafficking Nigerian women into Eastern Region for prostitution

A 25-year-old okada rider, Baba Issa Zakaria, has been sentenced to ten years in prison by the Odumase Circuit Court for human trafficking.

Zakaria, a resident of Agomanya in the Eastern Region, was found guilty of luring and transporting young Nigerian women into the area under false pretenses, only to exploit them for prostitution.

His conviction follows a detailed investigation that exposed his role in the transnational trafficking operation.

His accomplice, who also trafficked a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ella Elizabeth, appeared before the court in connection with the case and was charged with sex extortion, trading in prostitution, and stealing.

According to police investigations, Baba Issa Zakaria lured the victims from Nigeria to Lower Manya Krobo, where he housed them in various locations in Agomanya, a suburb of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, to engage in commercial sex work (prostitution).

He pleaded guilty to the offences during his first appearance before the court, presided over by Judge Kwesi Appiatse Abaidoo.

Zakaria was charged with seven counts, including abetment of crime to wit causing harm, conspiracy to commit crime, stealing, sex extortion (sextortion), trading in prostitution, and use of trafficked persons.

A report of assault was lodged against Baba Issa Zakaria, and subsequent investigations by the Odumase Police Station uncovered his activities.

Prosecutors, ASP Augustine K. Asante Kusi, Odumase District Crime Officer, and Chief Inspector John Kwasi Brahene, told the court that Zakaria acted as a hookup agent, trafficking young women from Nigeria to Ghana—specifically to Lower Manya Krobo—to engage in commercial sex work

They disclosed that, per an agreement reached with the girls, each paid an amount of GHC 150.00 weekly to Baba as an agent fee.

The prosecutors further explained that Desmond Agmortey, the victim, was a regular customer of Ella Elizabeth, a 26-year-old trader and one of the six women Baba trafficked into the jurisdiction.

On 6th April 2025, at noon, the victim requested sexual services from Ella, to which she consented. However, a misunderstanding later ensued between Desmond Agmortey and Ella. Baba Zakaria, who doubles as Ella’s boss, was called to intervene.

Zakaria mobilised a gang and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, the group attacked Desmond Agmortey, subjected him to torture, and stripped him naked. In the process, they inflicted machete wounds on him and captured the entire incident on video.

An eyewitness alerted the complainant, Divine Sakitey, who rushed to the scene.

Upon his arrival, Baba and Ella demanded GHC 1,200 from Desmond Agmortey and his brother for his release, threatening to publish the naked video if the ransom was not paid.

The complainant, fearing for his brother’s life, paid the requested amount before the victim was released.

He subsequently sent his brother to the hospital for medical treatment and reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of Baba and Ella.

Zakaria pleaded guilty to three charges, including sex extortion (sextortion), trading in prostitution, and use of trafficked persons. The court, on the same day, sentenced him to ten years for sextortion, 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 also pleaded guilty to trading in prostitution and was fined GHC 2,400 or, in default, to serve one year in prison.

During interrogation, Ella disclosed that Baba trafficked her and other women into the jurisdiction for sex work.

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.

Aside from Ella Elizabeth, several trafficked Nigerian women are currently housed in various homes in Agomanya, engaging in the illegal trade with patronage from adjoining districts.

Baba is believed to have been the mastermind behind the practice since 2024 and operated several online groups to attract potential clients.

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