Favour Ugwe, also known as Loveth Nnenna Igwe, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for human trafficking. The Circuit Court in Achimota, presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, ruled that Ugwe must also pay GH¢5,000 in compensation to her victim, a 19-year-old woman from Chad.
During the trial, evidence showed that in October 2023, Ugwe recruited the victim from Nigeria under the false pretense of offering her a job in a restaurant. Instead, the victim was forced into prostitution. The Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, in partnership with Our Rescue Ghana, rescued the victim after receiving a tip-off.
Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi emphasized the seriousness of human trafficking, describing it as a global issue. He requested a tough sentence to deter Ugwe and others from similar offenses.
The case began when Ibrahim Yahaya, an electrical engineer in Madina, reported to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit on November 11, 2023. He met the victim, who was stranded in Madina and learned that she had been trafficked by Ugwe.
On November 21, police located Ugwe in Olonka, an area known for housing suspected sex workers. The victim identified Ugwe as her trafficker, leading to her arrest.
During the investigation, Ugwe confessed to recruiting the victim from Abuja, Nigeria, with help from another Nigerian named King. She admitted to paying for the victim’s transportation to Ghana and confirmed that she provided the victim with clothing and supplies for prostitution. Ugwe was found to be collecting and recording payments from the victim’s clients.
This case highlights the ongoing battle against human trafficking in Ghana and the need for stricter measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
