A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced 29-year-old Mariam Omokiri from Delta State to seven years in prison for human trafficking. She was also fined one million naira.

Omokiri was convicted for trafficking, exporting, and promoting the prostitution of young girls. She was arraigned in court on January 30, 2025, after allegedly sending four girls from Bayelsa State to Mali and Senegal for prostitution.

Justice Doris Adokeme, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, said the prosecution had proven the case against the convict beyond doubt. She added that human trafficking is a serious crime that damages Nigeria’s international reputation.

The judgment cited violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, including Sections 13(1)(2)(b), 13(4)(a)(c), 14(b), and 18.

Reacting to the ruling, Acting Commander of NAPTIP Bayelsa State Command, Fadewara Timiebiowei, through Charles Emomotimi, said: “This sends a strong message that Bayelsa is not a safe haven for human trafficking. Parents and guardians should report any suspected trafficking activities to NAPTIP or other security agencies.”

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Rivers State Police Command dismantled a child trafficking syndicate that targeted young mothers and vulnerable pregnant women, selling their babies to buyers. The gang, led by ex-convict Blessing Jack, had a history of similar crimes in Calabar, Cross River State.

Source; PM News