NIGERIAN JAILED 10 YEARS with HARD LABOR for Investing in OLOSHO BUSINESS in GHANA

In a recent verdict that highlights the grave issue of human trafficking (Olosho business), a 31-year-old Nigerian, Okolo Chukwukadibia Jackson, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in trafficking a 16-year-old girl and three other females from Onitsha, Anambra State in Nigeria. Additionally, Jackson has been fined five hundred penalty units (GH¢1,200), with the possibility of an additional six-month term if the fine is not paid.

The case, brought forth by the Western Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service, sheds light on the alarming realities of human exploitation and illegal immigration. Jackson, who entered Ghana illegally in 2021, facilitated the smuggling of his victims into the country on February 13, 2024, under the guise of sending them to Dubai to work as housemaids.

Outlined below are the comprehensive details of the case as provided by the Ghana Immigration Service:

1. On Tuesday, 12th March 2024, the Western Regional Command, led by its Regional Prosecutor, Senior Inspector Terah Allou, presented Jackson before the Kweikuma Gender Circuit Court in Takoradi. He faced charges of Human Trafficking and Illegal Entry.
2. Jackson was convicted based on his own plea, violating sections 2(1)/(2) of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (ACT 694) as amended by section 1(1) of the Human Trafficking Act, 2009, and sections 2(1) and 52(1)(D) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (ACT 573).
3. The court sentenced Jackson to ten years imprisonment with hard labor for trafficking the 16-year-old girl and three other females from Onitsha, Anambra State. He was also fined five hundred penalty units (Ghc 1,200.00), with an additional six-month term in default.
4. The prosecution revealed that Jackson entered Ghana illegally in 2021 and remained undocumented until his arrest in the Western Region.
5. Testimonies from the rescued victims revealed that they were recruited in Nigeria under false pretenses by an accomplice of Jackson. They were promised jobs as salesgirls in Dubai.
6. Investigations uncovered that Jackson sent an amount of N 668,200 to cover the recruitment, lodging, feeding, and transportation of the victims from Nigeria to Ghana.
7. The victims arrived in Lagos on February 11, 2024, before being transported to Accra on February 13, 2024.
8. Jackson arranged for transportation to Asankrangwa for the victims, where they were ultimately exploited.
9. Jackson subjected the 16-year-old victim to a ritual at a shrine, coercing her into silence about her ordeal under threat of death.
10. The victims were forced into prostitution upon arrival, with Jackson receiving the proceeds.
11. Fortunately, one victim managed to escape and sought help from the Ghana Immigration Service.
12. Prompt action from the Asankrangwa Sector Command led to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of Jackson.
13. During interrogation, Jackson admitted to trafficking three additional victims to another accomplice for a fee.
14. Efforts to apprehend other syndicate members, including Madam Special, are ongoing.
15. The Ghana Immigration Service urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat human trafficking.

The Ghana Immigration Service emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in securing borders and safeguarding vulnerable individuals against exploitation. Through public awareness and proactive measures, the fight against human trafficking can be strengthened, contributing to a safer society for all.