A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced a 29-year-old woman, Mariam Omokiri, from neighbouring Delta State, to seven years imprisonment for human trafficking and promoting prostitution.
In addition to the jail term, the court ordered the convict to pay a ₦1 million fine for trafficking, exporting, and promoting the prostitution of young girls.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday in Yenagoa by Justice Doris Adokeme, following a case filed by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Offences (NAPTIP).
Conviction for Cross-Border Trafficking
Omokiri was arraigned in January 2025 on multiple counts related to the trafficking of four young girls from Bayelsa to Mali and Senegal for prostitution.
The offences, according to the court, contravened 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 Adokeme said the prosecution had presented overwhelming evidence proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.
“From the totality of the evidence before me, I am satisfied that the prosecution has successfully proved its case against all the defendants,” she ruled.
The judge described human trafficking as a grave offence that continues to damage Nigeria’s international reputation and exploit vulnerable citizens, especially young women.
NAPTIP Commends Verdict
Reacting to the ruling, the Acting Commander of NAPTIP Bayelsa Command, Fadewara Timiebiowei, represented by Charles Emomotimi, hailed the verdict as a strong deterrent to traffickers.
“This will send a clear signal that Bayelsa is not a safe haven for human trafficking activities,” he said.
Timiebiowei also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of trafficking to NAPTIP or security agencies.
Broader Crackdown on Human Trafficking
The conviction comes just days after the Rivers State Police Command uncovered a child trafficking syndicate operating across southern Nigeria.
The four-member gang, led by an ex-convict identified as Blessing Jack, allegedly targeted young mothers and pregnant women, stealing their babies and selling them to buyers.
Police authorities said the suspect had previously been arrested, prosecuted, and jailed in Calabar, Cross River State, for a similar offence.
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