The Plateau State Government has arrested a heavily pregnant woman, identified as Mrs Yakubu, over allegations that she trafficked three young girls to Ghana for prostitution.
Mrs Yakubu, who reportedly operates a bar in the Rantiya area of Jos South Local Government Area, was paraded on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the headquarters of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (SGEOC) in Jos.
She was presented alongside another female suspect and the rescued victims by the Chairperson of the Commission, Olivia Dazyam.
Briefing journalists, Dazyam disclosed that the victims were rescued in Ghana and repatriated to Nigeria through coordinated efforts involving the Commission and security agencies.
The girls, who identified themselves as Humata Ilya, Sendy Emmanuel, and Dorathy Yakubu, are aged between 18 and 19 years. Two are from Adamawa State, while one is from Plateau State.
According to Dazyam, the victims alleged that Mrs Yakubu lured them to Ghana with promises of lucrative employment opportunities but later forced them into prostitution.
She further revealed that the girls were allegedly compelled to swear oaths and subjected to rituals intended to ensure their loyalty and silence.
“At the State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, we received information about a woman who facilitated the movement of two girls from Plateau State to Ghana. With the help of security agencies, the girls were able to return safely to Jos,” Dazyam said.
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The SGEOC Chairperson alleged that the suspects benefitted financially from the victims’ exploitation, describing the proceeds as “blood money.”
She warned residents that human traffickers operate within local communities, urging vigilance and community cooperation.
“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?” she asked.
Dazyam added that investigations revealed the involvement of at least two women in the trafficking network. She said one of the suspects allegedly trafficked two other girls from Mangu to Ghana, though one of them managed to escape and return home safely.
Raising further concerns, Dazyam disclosed that one of the suspect’s own daughters, aged about 18 or 19, is currently in Ghana under unclear circumstances.
“What is she doing in Ghana?” she queried, stressing that awareness campaigns on the dangers of trafficking have been ongoing across the state.
In a brief interview with journalists, Mrs Yakubu reportedly admitted to facilitating the girls’ travel but expressed remorse over her actions. She claimed she intended to help them secure employment opportunities similar to her daughter, who is also based in Ghana.
However, she declined to clarify the nature of her daughter’s work in the West African country.
The Commission said investigations are ongoing and assured that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law as part of efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable young persons in Plateau State.