Human trafficking specialist gets five-year jail sentence: NAPTIP
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has secured a five-year jail term against Mercy Owuzo, who specialised in human trafficking.
The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Nduka Nwanwenne, disclosed this in an interview in Benin on Wednesday.
Mr Nwanwenne said that the 43-year-old travel agent cum businesswoman, was convicted on Tuesday by the Asaba Division of the Federal High Court.
He said the woman was convicted by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba in charge No. FHC/ASB/14c/2020.
Mr Nwanwenne said that the convict was, however, given an option of fine to the tune of N2 million.
He said that she was arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the agency for organising foreign travels, “which promotes prostitution and harbouring the victims with intent to induce them into prostitution”.
The offence contravenes various provisions of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, the anti trafficking official noted.
He said: “The convict, who resides in Dubai and Nigeria, claimed that her business involves processing visas for those who want to travel on holidays.
“She recruited two victims and promised them jobs as sales personnel in a shopping mall in Dubai.
“As soon as the victims were recruited, they were taken to a popular church in Lagos for prayers for four days and cream and sponges were allegedly used to purify them.
“On arrival in Dubai, their passports were seized and they were lodged in a rented apartment.
“And she demanded the sum of N5 million from each of them as sponsorship refund”.
The NAPTIP zonal boss also disclosed that in sentencing the accused, the judge hinged his decision on Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which empowers it to order restitution and compensation.
He said: “Consequently, the convict was ordered to pay a fine of N2 million in lieu of imprisonment.
“The two victims are to be given half-a-million naira each, while N1 million is to go to NAPTIP for training and awareness creation on issues of human trafficking.”
Benin zonal command covers Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Rights
UTME: JAMB’s AI plan could exclude visually impaired candidates, CITAB warns
Mr Fenemigho, however, warned that without deliberate preparations, the initiative could remain an ambitious idea rather than a project.
Sport
FIFA, Adidas unveil 2026 World Cup final match ball
The match ball is inspired by the FIFA World Cup trophy, featuring a striking white, black, and gold design.
Heading 4
Tinubu directs probes of X, Meta over alleged exploitation of news content
Mr Ijagwu said that under the new investigation, areas of interest include allegations of market dominance and potential anti-competitive conduct.
Heading 1
Tinubu hails Nigerian Army’s role in national, regional security
Mr Tinubu said the army’s contributions have safeguarded Nigeria’s sovereignty while strengthening peace and stability across Africa and beyond.
Education
Security agencies working to rescue abducted pupils, teachers, Oyo govt tells families
The state government said in a statement on Monday that it remained fully committed to ensuring the victims’ safe return to their families.
Sport
2026 World Cup: ‘You’ve been trying to kill me for 23 years,’ Ronaldo tells journalists
Ronaldo condemned some journalists who have taken pleasure in casting a harsh spotlight on him, saying it had been the same since he was 18 years old.
