Favour Ugwu, a 28-year-old Nigerian woman, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by a Ghanaian court.
The verdict, delivered on Thursday, September 19, 2024, marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against human trafficking in West Africa.
Ugwu’s conviction has brought to light the dark underbelly of cross-border human trafficking networks that have long plagued the region.
The case of Favour Ugwu has garnered international attention, not only for the severity of her crimes but also for the implications it holds for future efforts to combat human trafficking.
As details of her operations emerge, a complex web of exploitation and criminal activity has been uncovered.
Who is Favour Ugwu?

Favour Ugwu, born in 1996, is a Nigerian national who became notorious for her involvement in human trafficking operations between Nigeria and Ghana.
Prior to her arrest and conviction, Ugwu maintained a low profile, operating in the shadows of the criminal underworld.
read also: Joy Muoka Cause of Death, Biography, Age, Husband, Children and More
Her activities primarily focused on the trafficking of young Nigerian girls to Ghana for forced prostitution and other illegal activities.
Little is known about Ugwu’s background or what led her into the world of human trafficking.
However, investigations revealed that she was a key player in a larger network that preyed on vulnerable individuals, particularly young women, from economically disadvantaged areas in Nigeria.
Ugwu’s role in this network was crucial, as she acted as a facilitator, recruiter, and manager of the trafficking operations.
The Crimes of Favour Ugwu
Favour Ugwu’s criminal activities centered around the recruitment and transportation of young Nigerian girls to Ghana under false pretenses.
Many of her victims were lured with promises of legitimate employment opportunities or educational prospects abroad.
However, upon arrival in Ghana, these girls found themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation and abuse.
The specific charges against Ugwu included:
- Human trafficking
- Forced prostitution
- Document forgery
- Money laundering
- Conspiracy to commit criminal activities
Investigators uncovered evidence that Ugwu and her associates had trafficked dozens of girls over several years.
The victims, many of whom were minors, were subjected to physical and psychological abuse, forced into prostitution, and held in debt bondage.
Ugwu’s operation was part of a larger criminal enterprise that profited from the exploitation of these vulnerable individuals.
The Investigation and Arrest

The case against Favour Ugwu was the result of a joint effort between Nigerian and Ghanaian law enforcement agencies.
The investigation, which lasted several months, involved extensive surveillance, witness testimonies, and international cooperation.
Key aspects of the investigation included:
- Tracking financial transactions linked to Ugwu and her associates
- Gathering intelligence from victims who had managed to escape
- Coordinating with border control agencies to identify patterns of movement
- Collaborating with NGOs working to combat human trafficking in the region
Ugwu’s arrest came as part of a larger operation targeting human trafficking networks operating between Nigeria and Ghana.
Law enforcement officials apprehended her in Accra, Ghana’s capital, where she had been overseeing her illegal operations.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial of Favour Ugwu took place in a Ghanaian court, reflecting the location where many of her crimes were committed.
The proceedings, which began in early 2024, attracted significant media attention and brought the issue of human trafficking to the forefront of public discourse in both Ghana and Nigeria.
Key points of the trial included:
- Testimonies from victims who had been trafficked by Ugwu
- Expert witnesses detailing the psychological impact on survivors
- Financial evidence tracing the money trail of Ugwu’s operations
- Defense arguments attempting to portray Ugwu as a minor player in a larger network
On September 19, 2024, the court found Favour Ugwu guilty on all charges.
The judge, in delivering the verdict, emphasized the severity of Ugwu’s crimes and their impact on the victims and society at large.
The sentence of eight years in prison was seen as a strong message to other human traffickers operating in the region.
Reactions to the Sentence
The sentencing of Favour Ugwu has elicited various reactions from different quarters:
- Nigerian Government Response:
The Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), welcomed the verdict. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of NiDCOM, described the ruling as “a plus for the war against human trafficking” on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). - Ghanaian Authorities:
Ghanaian law enforcement officials hailed the conviction as a significant step in their efforts to combat transnational crime. They emphasized that this case would serve as a deterrent to other criminals engaged in human trafficking. - Human Rights Organizations:
Various human rights groups and NGOs working to combat human trafficking praised the verdict but called for continued vigilance and increased efforts to address the root causes of trafficking. - Public Opinion:
The case has sparked widespread discussion on social media and in public forums about the prevalence of human trafficking and the need for stronger international cooperation to combat it. - Legal Experts:
Legal analysts have pointed out that while the sentence is significant, there is a need for more comprehensive legal frameworks to address human trafficking across borders.
Challenges in Combating Human Trafficking
Despite the successful prosecution of Favour Ugwu, significant challenges remain in the fight against human trafficking:
- Poverty and Economic Disparities:
The root causes that make individuals vulnerable to trafficking, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, persist in many parts of West Africa. - Corruption:
Corruption within law enforcement and border control agencies continues to facilitate trafficking operations. - Limited Resources:
Many countries in the region lack the financial and technological resources needed to effectively combat sophisticated trafficking networks. - Victim Protection:
There is an ongoing need for better support systems and protection for trafficking survivors, many of whom face stigma and challenges in reintegrating into society. - Transnational Nature of Crime:
The cross-border nature of human trafficking makes it challenging to investigate and prosecute, requiring complex international cooperation.
Conclusion
The conviction and sentencing of Favour Ugwu mark a significant victory in the ongoing battle against human trafficking in West Africa.
Her eight-year prison sentence sends a strong message to traffickers and highlights the growing resolve of regional authorities to combat this heinous crime.
However, the case also underscores the complex and persistent nature of human trafficking, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, international cooperation, and comprehensive approaches to address both the symptoms and root causes of this issue.
As the region moves forward, the case of Favour Ugwu will likely serve as a rallying point for increased efforts to protect vulnerable individuals, prosecute traffickers, and dismantle the networks that facilitate this modern form of slavery.
While challenges remain, this conviction represents a step towards a future where the rights and dignity of all individuals are protected, and where the scourge of human trafficking is ultimately eradicated.