Plateau Government Arrests Pregnant Woman Over Alleged Trafficking of Three Girls to Ghana

The Plateau State Government has arrested a heavily pregnant woman for her alleged role in trafficking three young Nigerian girls to Ghana for prostitution, in a case that has renewed concerns over human trafficking networks operating within local communities.

The suspect, identified simply as Mrs. Yakubu, is said to operate a bar in the Rantiya area of Jos South Local Government Area. She was paraded on Thursday, February 19, 2026, alongside another female suspect and the rescued victims at the headquarters of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission in Jos.

Speaking to journalists during the parade, the Chairperson of the Commission, Olivia Dazyam, disclosed that the three girls had been trafficked to Ghana under false pretences and were later rescued through the combined efforts of the Commission and security agencies.

According to Dazyam, the victims—who identified themselves as Humata Ilya, Sendy Emmanuel, and Dorathy Yakubu—are between 18 and 19 years old. Investigations revealed that two of the girls are from Adamawa State, while the third is from Plateau State. The girls reportedly confessed that Mrs. Yakubu lured them with promises of well-paying jobs abroad, only for them to be forced into prostitution upon arrival in Ghana.

The Chairperson further explained that the victims were compelled to swear oaths and undergo ritual practices intended to prevent them from exposing the trafficking operation or escaping from their handlers. She described the methods used by the traffickers as manipulative and cruel, noting that the girls were subjected to psychological control in addition to physical exploitation.

“At the Commission, we received intelligence about the movement of young girls from Plateau State to Ghana,” Dazyam said. “Fortunately, with the help of security agencies, the girls were rescued and safely returned to Jos. This case shows clearly that traffickers are living among us, operating quietly within our communities.”

Dazyam also revealed that the traffickers allegedly received proceeds—referred to as “blood money”—from the sexual exploitation of the victims. She warned residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious movements involving young people, especially when promises of overseas employment are involved.

In a troubling revelation, the Commission disclosed that Mrs. Yakubu’s own daughter, aged between 18 and 19, is currently in Ghana. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine her circumstances and whether she may also be a victim of trafficking.

During a brief interaction with journalists, Mrs. Yakubu admitted involvement in the case but claimed she believed she was helping the girls secure employment, similar to what she said her daughter was doing in Ghana. She, however, declined to clarify the nature of her daughter’s work in the country.

The Plateau State Government reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable women and girls. The rescued victims are currently receiving care and counselling, while the suspects are expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded.

Officials stressed that public awareness, community vigilance, and prompt reporting remain critical tools in dismantling trafficking rings, urging families to thoroughly verify job offers abroad before allowing young relatives to travel.