Nitoni Osain, Yenagoa
Bayelsa High Court 3, on wednesday, sentenced one woman to seven years in prison, for human trafficking.
The convict is: Mariam Omokiri age 29 years, from Delta State and the convict was charged by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Offences.
Our correspondent reports that the convict was arraigned before the court sometime in January 30, 2025 on account of organizing and traffic four girls from Bayelsa to Mali and Senegal for prostitution.
The offences contravenes the provisions of sections 13(1)(2)(b), 13(4)(a)(c), 14(b) and 18 of the Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
Delivering judgment, Justice Doris Adokeme held that from the totality of evidences by the prosecution, she was satisfied that the prosecution had successful proved its case against all the defendants.
She said that out of the four count granted two prayer and sentence the suspect to seven years in prison and with a find of 1M.
Justice Adokeme, said that the offence of trafficking in persons is a very serious offence which has negatively affected the image of the country internationally.
She held that the terms shall run concurrently. She also ordered her to pay N1M for trafficking, exporting and promoting prostitution of young girls.
The Acting Commander NAPTIP Bayelsa Mr Fadewara Timiebiowei Command, represented by Barr. Charles Emomotimi, said this will send a signal that Bayelsa is not safe heavens for human trafficking activities.
He equally encouraged parents and guardians to report all forms of human trafficking to NAPTIP Bayelsa Command or other security Agencies.
On his part, a representative of the victims family and one time Commissioner for Works Bayelsa Chief Charles Ambaowei, thank NAPTIP Bayelsa for the good job.
He promised that the Bayelsa government will partner with the command to end human trafficking in the state.