By Mariama Marong
A Nigerian woman identified as Hanna Magbujor Isaiah, also known by the aliases “Treasure” or “Madam,” is facing six serious criminal charges at the Banjul High Court, including human trafficking, conspiracy to commit a felony, and sexual exploitation of two Nigerian women trafficked into The Gambia.
The accused, who appeared before Justice Sidi Jobarteh, is alleged to have trafficked the women— known as Diamond and known as Zara (real names withheld)—into The Gambia under false pretences, with the intention of forcing them into prostitution. The crimes are alleged to have occurred between February and November 2022 in Sanchaba Sulay-Jobe, located in the West Coast Region.
According to the particulars of the charges, Isaiah allegedly conspired with an individual identified as Karamel, who is reportedly outside the jurisdiction, to traffic the two victims from Nigeria into The Gambia for sexual exploitation.
Counts One and Two charge Isaiah with conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 368 of the Criminal Code, involving the trafficking of Joy Anthony and Valerie Augustine respectively.
Counts Three and Five accuse her of engaging in the act of trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 28(1) of the Trafficking in Persons Act. In both cases, the prosecution alleges that Isaiah facilitated the victims’ transportation from Nigeria to The Gambia and forced them into prostitution at a location known as Class-One Bar in Serrekunda, Kanifing Municipality.
Counts Four and Six involve the unlawful importation of persons into The Gambia for sexual exploitation, in violation of Section 32(b) of the same Act. The court heard that Isaiah allegedly brought the victims into the country knowing they would be subjected to prostitution or with the intent that they be forced into it.
Isaiah has pleaded not guilty to all six charges. The court entered her plea and adjourned the matter to July 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. for the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness.
State Counsel Mariama Jammeh is leading the prosecution, while H. Gaye represents the accused.
