A 24-year-old Nigerian woman, Mariam Yussif, has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment with hard labour for her role in human trafficking. The verdict was delivered on October 22, 2026, by the Gender-Based Violence Court in Tamale, Ghana, following a thorough investigation by the police.

Yussif was arrested alongside her sister, Precious Clement, on August 17, 2026, in Yendi. They were implicated in the recruitment and transportation of victims from Nigeria to Ghana for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The police investigation led to Yussif being charged under Section 2(1) of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694). Despite pleading not guilty during her initial court appearance on August 19, she was remanded in custody as the case proceeded through the legal system.

After several court adjournments, the trial concluded with Yussif being found guilty, resulting in her transfer to Tamale Central Prison to begin serving her sentence. In contrast, her sister Clement was released due to insufficient evidence against her.

The two victims involved in the case have been successfully repatriated to Nigeria, where they were reunited with their families. This outcome highlights the complexities of human trafficking cases and the importance of establishing individual responsibility based on evidence.

The Northern Regional Police Command emphasized that the conviction serves as a reminder of the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and thorough investigations in combating human trafficking. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected trafficking activities to the relevant authorities. This call to action underscores the police's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and pursuing those engaged in trafficking crimes.

As the case against Yussif concludes, the police continue to advocate for community involvement in identifying and addressing potential trafficking situations, reinforcing the need for collective efforts in safeguarding against such crimes.