An ex-victim of human trafficking, Ese Edomwonyi, has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment for trafficking a teenage girl to Burkina Faso.

In a statement by Nduka Nwanwenne, Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs Edomwonyi, 24, was convicted on Thursday in Benin for the same offence she was rescued from at Seme borders a few years ago.

He explained that the convict, a housewife and mother of five, was arraigned in charge no B/NAPTIP/9C/2022 before Justice Irele Ifeje of court 3, Criminal Division of the Edo High Court, Benin.

He added that Mrs Edomwonyi was charged for engaging in acts of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 13 (4)c of the trafficking in persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

The zonal commander further explained that the convict had recruited the 14-year-old girl for her sister, who resides in Burkina Faso.

“On arrival at Burkina Faso, the victim was subjected to beatings, denial of food and slavery when she objected initially to engage in prostitution.

“The victim was later sold to another lady who forced her into prostitution, thereby losing her virginity.”

Mr Nwanwenne noted that the victim was rescued after the convict’s arrest.

According to him, Mrs Edonwonyi pleaded guilty to the offences. However, he added that the convict was given an option of a fine of N300,000.

(NAN)