A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced a 29-year-old woman, Mariam Omokiri, from neighbouring Delta State, to seven years imprisonment and a ₦1 million fine for offences bordering on human trafficking.
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, followed a case filed by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) against Omokiri for trafficking, exporting, and promoting the prostitution of young girls.
According to court records, the convict was arraigned on January 30, 2025, for organising the trafficking of four girls from Bayelsa State to Mali and Senegal for prostitution.
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Delivering judgment, Justice Doris Adokeme ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, stating that human trafficking remains a grave crime that tarnishes Nigeria’s image globally.
“From the totality of evidence presented, I am satisfied that the prosecution has successfully proved its case against the defendant,” the judge declared.
Justice Adokeme further stressed the need for deterrence, noting that human trafficking has destroyed countless lives and communities.
Reacting to the verdict, Fadewara Timiebiowei, Acting Commander of NAPTIP Bayelsa State Command, represented by Charles Emomotimi, commended the court’s decision, saying it would serve as a warning to others.
“This judgment sends a strong message that Bayelsa is not a safe haven for human trafficking,” he stated, urging parents and guardians to report suspicious activities to NAPTIP or other law enforcement agencies.
In a related development, the Rivers State Police Command earlier this week uncovered a child trafficking syndicate targeting vulnerable pregnant women and young mothers. The four-member gang, led by Blessing Jack, an ex-convict previously jailed in Cross River State for a similar offence, was arrested for allegedly selling babies to waiting buyers.
