Pregnant Woman Arrested for Trafficking Nigerian Girls to Ghana for Prostitution

Jos, Plateau State – A heavily pregnant woman who operates a bar in Rantiya, Jos South Local Government Area, has been arrested for allegedly trafficking three young Nigerian girls to Ghana for prostitution. The suspect, identified as Mrs Yakubu, was paraded on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (SGEOC) headquarters.

Victims Rescued and Repatriated from Ghana

The three victims, aged between 18 and 19, were rescued in Ghana and returned to Nigeria. Chairperson of the SGEOC, Olivia Dazyam, said the girls—Humata Ilya, Sendy Emmanuel, and Dorathy Yakubu—revealed that Mrs Yakubu lured them with promises of lucrative jobs but forced them into prostitution upon arrival.

“The girls were made to swear an oath and undergo rituals to ensure they would not betray Mrs Yakubu,” Dazyam explained, emphasizing that the traffickers profited from the victims’ activities, referred to as ‘blood money.’

Authorities Act on Tips and Coordinate Rescue

Dazyam disclosed that the SGEOC acted swiftly on intelligence and collaborated with security agencies to repatriate the girls. “At the state Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, we received information about a woman who trafficked two girls from Plateau State to Ghana. By God’s help and the cooperation of security agencies, they are back safely in Jos,” she said.

The Chairperson warned communities about the presence of traffickers and the dangers posed to young girls. She also highlighted that one of the suspect’s own daughters is currently in Ghana under unknown circumstances.

Suspect Confesses but Claims Good Intentions

Mrs Yakubu admitted to her role in the trafficking but claimed she intended to help the girls secure employment, similar to her daughter in Ghana. She declined to provide details about her daughter’s work.

“This is a grave offence,” Dazyam added. “Despite sensitisation campaigns, some people still exploit young girls for profit. Trafficking is a crime, and it will not be tolerated in Plateau State.”