Woman jailed 20 years for human trafficking, causing illegal abortion and assault

The Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced a Nigerian sex worker to 20 years in prison. Patience Gideon, also known as Gold, trafficked four victims to Ghana. She promised them jobs but forced them into prostitution instead.

Patience transported the victims from Nigeria to Mosease, near Asankragua. Police reported that one victim tested HIV positive after engaging in sex work. Despite her condition, Patience took her to another town for prostitution and collected the money earned.

Patience also performed an illegal abortion on another pregnant victim. The court, led by Hathia Ama Manu, sentenced her after she pleaded guilty to four charges.

For human trafficking, Patience received a 20-year sentence. She was given five years for illegal abortion and two years for assault. The sentences will run concurrently.

The court ordered the victims—Jennifer Terewuba (20), Abigail Timothy (21), Happiness Kowuka (27), and Rejoice Isaac (30)—to return to the Police Headquarters. This is so they can assist in relocating back to Nigeria.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adams Mumuni led the prosecution with ASP Samuel Ahiabor. The victims are Nigerians who were training as hairdressers.

Patience Gideon, 32, is also Nigerian and worked as a sex worker in Moseaso. On March 22 and March 27, 2025, she trafficked the victims from Benue State under false job promises.

Upon arrival in Ghana, she forced them into prostitution. When they refused to comply, Patience shaved their pubic hair and removed their fingernails under duress.

She made them swear they would go mad if they did not work as sex workers. Out of fear, the victims complied and gave all earnings to Patience.

Abigail Timothy informed Patience about her pregnancy before arriving in Ghana. On March 28, 2025, Patience illegally terminated Abigail's pregnancy using herbal concoctions.

On April 12, one victim fell ill and was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at a hospital. Knowing this could affect her business, Patience moved the victim to continue working elsewhere.

Patience collected all proceeds from this location too. On April 28, she visited again but was upset with only GhC300 received from one victim.

Angry about the amount, she beat the victim severely and caused facial injuries. Afterward, she seized the victim’s HIV/AIDS medication provided by the hospital.

The affected victim informed others about her situation; together they reported it at Asankrangwa Police Station. One unnamed victim confirmed her HIV status at a hospital visit where she received treatment.

Patience was arrested after admitting her crimes during questioning with an independent witness present. On May 5, medical reports confirmed one victim's status leading to formal charges against Patience in court.