The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a 22-year-old hairdresser, Nicky Isabella, to five years in prison for trafficking two young Nigerian women into Ghana under the guise of employment.

Isabella, popularly known as Bella, lured the victims to Ghana under the pretext of offering them jobs, but upon arrival, she forced them into prostitution.

Isabella, widely known as Bella, deceived the victims, aged 22 and 23, by promising them supermarket jobs in Adjiringanor, Accra. But upon their arrival in May 2024, the narrative took a dark turn: instead of employment, they were forced into prostitution and stripped of their earnings.

The case was heard before Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, who delivered the judgment on Friday, April 4, 2025, after a full trial.

According to Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on Monday, prosecutors disclosed that Isabella, in collaboration with an accomplice named Nelly (still at large), orchestrated the cross-border trafficking.

Upon arrival, Isabella reportedly seized their earnings and forced them to swear an oath on a Bible. As part of the oath ritual, she cut pieces of their pubic hair and threatened to use them in rituals if they disobeyed her instructions.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac Babayi, who led the prosecution, described the crime as premeditated, exploitative, and deeply harmful, urging the court to hand down a firm sentence as a deterrent.

In her ruling, the trial judge considered several factors, including Isabella’s young age, her status as a first-time offender, and the period she had already spent in custody. However, she also noted Isabella’s lack of remorse and the severity of the offence.

Isabella, who had no legal representation throughout the trial, broke down in tears as the sentence was handed down.

Court documents confirmed that Isabella admitted to forcing the women into sex work, taking their money, and using spiritual threats to control them. A search of her residence revealed a notebook tracking the victims’ earnings and a bundle of human hair, believed to be part of the coercive tactics she employed.

The two victims have since been rescued and are now receiving psychosocial support.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation to apprehend Nelly, her co-conspirator

Commenting on the case, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Ayariga, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, reiterated the country’s zero tolerance for human trafficking.

“Ghana is not a haven for human traffickers. Those who lure vulnerable people into Ghana and force them into prostitution will face the full force of the law,” he stated.DSP Ayariga revealed that the Unit secured nine convictions last year, including a landmark 20-year sentence, and reaffirmed its resolve to continue pursuing traffickers with full force.

“We are not slowing down. We will continue arresting, investigating, and prosecuting offenders. No form of human trafficking or migrant smuggling will be tolerated in Ghana. Justice will prevail,” he said.

Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, Demola Olarewaju, has revealed the biggest mistake allies of former President Muhammadu Buhari will make with President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Olarewaju, whose principal was the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said Buhari’s boys in the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC bloc of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are making a grave mistake by trusting Tinubu in 2027.

He warned that Tinubu would use and dump them, just as he did with the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

Posting on X, he wrote: “The biggest mistake Buhari Boys in the CPC bloc would make ahead of 2027 is to trust Tinubu. Anybody, in fact, shouldn’t make that mistake, including old ACN allies.

“If he gets what he wants, he’ll dump them like El-Rufai and consolidate power more than anyone ever before him.”

Olarewaju also alleged a plot to replace the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, with someone from the Southwest.

“Lagos Boys want an INEC Chairman from the SW that they can control easily and directly for Tinubu while also being in a position to use him to manipulate state gubernatorial elections and sell it to the highest bidder for themselves – they just want to cash out at this point.

“The agenda for the next INEC Chairman is for one person to control him on behalf of Tinubu, but also still use him to influence and sell state gubernatorial elections.

“Those two men both want to be President after Tinubu, on the idea that the SS still has 4 years to go from GEJ,” he added.

Youths of Igbo ethnicity under the aegis of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately withdraw the name of former presidential aide Reno Omokri from the list of ambassadorial nominees, citing what it described as a glaring contradiction and a failure of integrity checks.

The development follows reports suggesting that Omokri, alongside other political figures including Senator Shehu Sani, and former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, are among those being considered for ambassadorial appointments by the Federal Government.

In a statement issued Monday, the National President of the OYC, Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, condemned Omokri’s nomination, describing it as “an institutional endorsement of hypocrisy and political opportunism.”

He expressed disbelief over the clearance of Omokri by security agencies, insisting that his past remarks about President Tinubu should have disqualified him from such a sensitive national assignment.

“It is contradictory that somebody that distrusted the president is now deemed fit to become Nigeria’s ambassador,” Igboayaka stated.

He referenced a series of Facebook posts made by Omokri in December 2022, in which the nominee described President Tinubu as “a known drug lord, who belongs in jail, not Aso Rock.”

“Clearing Reno Omokri by security agents for ambassadorial post is an indication that his allegations against Bola Ahmed Tinubu is factual, because according to Reno, ‘Tinubu is a known drug lord’,” the statement read.

The OYC leader further questioned the credibility of the screening process and the oversight of intelligence agencies. 

“If Nigeria’s security agencies cleared Reno to represent Nigeria, does it imply that Reno’s allegations of a drug-related issue involving Tinubu (have been) substantiated?” he queried.

Igboayaka cited another post dated December 17, 2022, in which Omokri claimed: “I went to Chicago myself and obtained verified documents. It will be a shame if this man gets anywhere close to Aso Rock.”

In the same post, Omokri added: “If anybody can get close enough to Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take a sample of his hair or urine this election will be over! Because with his hair and urine sample, a laboratory can analyze if he still takes drugs and what type of drugs he takes.”

The OYC has now urged security agencies to “maintain their credibility (and) demand that Reno Omokri furnish them with the ‘verified drugs documents from Chicago’ which he asserted he acquired in 2022 and furnish the drug deal business to Nigerians.”

The Lagos State command of the Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun region of the state, leading to the rescue of ten individuals.

Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the operation, as disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin.

According to Hundeyin, the illegal operation was brought to light following a tip-off received by the police last Saturday.

In response, officers promptly arrived at the site and arrested the primary suspect, Mariam Vincent, 35, along with two accomplices, Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.

Naija News understands that during the raid, law enforcement officials rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.

In total, the operation resulted in the rescue of seven adult women and three children.

The adult victims include Precious (24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).

The rescued children are identified as Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).

All individuals rescued are currently receiving appropriate care and support.

Hundeyin stated that the suspects confessed during interrogation to having kidnapped the victims from various locations within the state to operate the baby factory.

He further noted that the investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged in court.

While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks, Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”

In a separate incident, law enforcement successfully freed two individuals who had been kidnapped in the Igbe Alagemo area of Ijede, Ikorodu.

The abduction occurred during a nighttime raid on the community on March 26, 2025.

According to police reports, the victims were safely recovered on March 29, thanks to a collaborative effort involving local teams and security personnel.

A distress signal was received around 9 p.m. on the evening of the incident.

Hundeyin detailed that armed kidnappers stormed the peaceful neighborhood, forcibly entering the home of a 40-year-old man named Dare. The assailants tragically shot and killed his guard dog before taking him hostage.

“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances,” the police spokesperson said, adding that the force and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.

“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.

“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” Hundeyin added.

Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has been named the greatest female rapper of all time by Billboard.

The list of the Best Female Rappers of All Time, released by Billboard staff, also featured hip-hop greats such as Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Queen Latifah.

Surprisingly, Nicki Minaj’s rivals, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, ranked outside the top 10.

Minaj topped the list, followed by Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah at numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively.

MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shanté, Eve, and Foxy Brown completed the top 10.

Cardi B was ranked at number 11, while Megan Thee Stallion came in at number 15.

Despite being widely regarded as the greatest female rapper in history by many music enthusiasts, Nicki Minaj has yet to win a Grammy.

Her rivals, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, have both won Grammys in rap categories.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of what could end his reign and is actively taking significant steps to tackle the issue, as stated by the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) Director of Media and Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in a recent interview.

Ibrahim expressed confidence that the president will secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, despite concerns regarding insecurity.

He highlighted that, in contrast to former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose tenure was marked by rising violence leading up to the 2015 elections, Tinubu is already enacting strategies to mitigate security challenges.

The APC chieftain affirmed that the party recognizes the existing security threats and is committed to ensuring they do not influence the results of the upcoming election.

“If that was what was responsible for the downfall of Jonathan, I can tell you Jonathan was defeated by the APC, and the APC cannot blindfold itself and allow itself to defeat itself,” Ibrahim told THISDAY on Monday, April 7.

“President Bola Tinubu is already aware of the kind of problem that could lead to defeat, and he will not allow it.”

Ibrahim pointed to the deployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to the North-West and the continued efforts of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

“In a nutshell, the President will not allow himself to be defeated by himself.

“He’s taking measures to ensure that results are obtained… and he’s assuring Nigerians that the safety of the country is at the forefront of his agenda,” Ibrahim stated.

He also linked the recent spike in insecurity to geopolitical tensions with Nigeria’s Francophone neighbors, arguing that these diplomatic rifts have weakened regional security cooperation.

“Nigeria is literally left alone to fight this war without the collaborative effort of its neighbors,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a Labour Party (LP) senator representing Edo South senatorial district in the national assembly, Neda Imasuen, has advised northern politicians to shield their presidential ambition till 2031.

Naija News reports that the lawmaker, while speaking during a chat with newsmen in Benin City, stated that the advice has become necessary following the unwritten constitution that zoned the position of the presidency between the North and South.

The Federal Government has barred heads of tertiary institutions in an acting capacity from contesting to fill the same position.

Naija News reports that the new policy bars acting Vice Chancellors (VCs) of universities, Rectors of polytechnics and Provosts of colleges from joining in the contest for substantive heads of the institutions.

In a statement on Monday, signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, noted that acting VCs, Rectors, and Provosts, in most cases, take advantage of the selection process, thereby compromising fairness and transparency.

Alausa stated that acting VCs, Rectors and Provosts intending to contest the position must resign from their acting capacity within six months to qualify.

He added that the Ministry was committed to entrenching transparency in the tertiary education system to enhance quality education.

It read: “In line with the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Education to promote equity, transparency, and integrity in the appointment process of Federal Tertiary Institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has approved the implementation of a guiding policy on eligibility for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.

“This policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

“To eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance, the policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment. However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles.

This policy is designed to complement the existing Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), along with all other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.

“The Ministry appreciates the continued dedication and cooperation of stakeholders in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector. It is our belief that this policy will bring about the desired reforms and enhance public confidence in the selection of principal officers in our institutions.”

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested one Olawole Sunday, a suspected fraudster who specialised in buying bank account details from individuals to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

Sunday’s modus operandi involved encouraging young people to open multiple bank accounts, paying them either N25,000 or N50,000 for each account, and collect their bank details including Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

Sunday allegedly employed the account details of one Uyi Godstime Eghosa to defraud a petitioner of the sum of N2 million under the guise of trading in forex.

The account owner, Eghosa was arrested and his disclosure that he was unaware that his account was used to defraud members of the public, led to Sunday’s arrest.

Eghosa explained that he relinquished his account details, including his ATM card, to Sunday after an N25,000 payment to him.

Sunday confessed to the crime and would be charged in court as soon as investigations are completed.

Governor Babagana Zulum has called for reinforced interventions in the war against Boko Haram and other insurgents in Borno State.

He lamented that Boko Haram now attacks and kidnaps people in many communities in Borno State almost on a daily basis without any confrontation from security forces.

Naija News reports Governor Zulum made the observation on Tuesday during Special Expanded Security Meeting (ESM) in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The meeting was attended by the General Officer Commanding 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, Gwoza, while Shehu of Dikwa- and Emir of Shani were in absencia.

Zulum lamented that recent developments point to the fact that Borno State is losing ground in the fight against insurgency.

The Governor submitted that his administration has been very supportive of the military in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to relative peace in the last three years, but the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killing of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern and a set back in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.

He however commended the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram but stressed the need to strengthen efforts by equipping and deploying technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the sahelian Borno which shares international border with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

His words: “As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on daily basis without confrontation signaled that Borno State is loosing ground.

” As you are all aware that my administration has been very supportive to the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to a relative peace in the last three years, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killing of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern, and it is a set back in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.

” In as much as Borno Government under my leadership commend the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram, more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the sahelian Borno which shares international border with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon,” Zulum stated.

Boko Haram In Control Of Three LGAs

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers at the meeting, the Shehu of Borno, commended the efforts of security agencies in the fight against terrorism, but emphasized that about three local government areas of Guzamala, Marte, Abbadam and some parts of Mobbar are still under the total control of Boko Haram, stressing that, most of these communities are without civil authority.

He appealed to the federal government to reconstruct the dilapidated and deplorable Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri- Dikwa- Ngala, Maiduguri- Monguno-Kukawa and Biu -Damaturu federal roads among others.

Veteran Nigerian musician, Eedris Abdulkareem, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration, stating it is filled with empty promises.

Naija News reports that Abdulkareem, in a new song titled ‘Tell Your Papa,’ urged the son of the president, Seyi Tinubu, to present the plight of Nigerians to his father.

Recall that Seyi Tinubu, while addressing a gathering of youths in Adamawa State in March, described his father as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history, which sparked controversy online.

However, in his new song, Abdulkareem slammed Seyi, stressing that the president’s son was insensitive to the plight of Nigerians from economic hardship and insecurity.

The singer said Seyi should inform his father about the spate of kidnappings in Nigeria and numerous deaths over the current economic policies.

He said, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.

“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.

“Seyi, try travelling by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”