Pregnant Bar Owner and Accomplice Arrested in Plateau for Alleged Human Trafficking to Ghana
The Plateau State Government has taken decisive action against human trafficking with the arrest of a pregnant bar owner and another woman for allegedly trafficking three young girls to Ghana. The suspects were paraded on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission's headquarters in Jos, alongside the three rescued victims who were repatriated from Ghana.
Details of the Arrest and Victims
The primary suspect, identified as Mrs. Yakubu, operates a bar in the Rantya community of Jos. She was apprehended following a tip-off received by the State Gender Commission. The trafficked girls include two aged between 18 and 19 years from Adamawa State and one from Plateau State. All three were allegedly lured to Ghana under false pretenses.
Commission's Response and Warnings
Chairperson of the State Gender Commission, Olivia Dazyam, briefed journalists on the case, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. She disclosed that the commission collaborated with security agencies to rescue and repatriate the girls. Dazyam stated, "We received information about a woman that caused the movement of two girls from Plateau State to Ghana. God helped the two girls, and they were able to get back to Jos with the help of the security agencies."
According to Dazyam, the suspects allegedly trafficked the girls for prostitution, profiting from what she described as "blood money" derived from the victims' activities. She revealed a disturbing connection: one of the suspects' own daughters is reportedly in Ghana, involved in similar circumstances. Dazyam warned, "We want to let the people of Plateau State know that traffickers are living in our communities. Why would you want to send young girls to Ghana to go and do what?"
Broader Trafficking Network Uncovered
The chairperson highlighted that this case is part of a larger pattern, noting that two women were involved in the trafficking. Another woman allegedly trafficked two girls from Mangu to Ghana, with one escaping and safely returning. Dazyam stressed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has mandated the commission to publicize such cases with evidence, sending a clear message to traffickers that their activities will no longer be kept quiet. She urged Plateau women to join the fight against trafficking and announced that the suspects will face further investigation to uncover more about their operations.
Conflicting Narratives from Suspect and Victims
In an interview, Mrs. Yakubu expressed regret but claimed she was only helping the girls secure good jobs in Ghana, similar to her daughter. However, she declined to specify the nature of her daughter's business. The victims—Humata Ilya, Sendy Emmanuel, and Dorathy Yakubu—countered this in separate interviews, insisting they were deceived. Sendy Emmanuel said, "She deceived us. We were deceived. She told us that her daughter is doing gold business in Ghana, not knowing that we were going into prostitution."
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures
Dazyam confirmed that the repatriated girls have arrived safely, and the commission is working with security agencies to address the issue comprehensively. The suspects and victims have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation. This case underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and community cooperation to combat human trafficking in Plateau State and beyond.
