Human Trafficking: Woman Jailed For Procuring Women For Pr#stitution

A 42-year-old woman, Ogierarakhi Joyce Amemze, aka Mama Blossom has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment for human trafficking.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in a statement on Monday, October 17, 2022, said its Benin Zonal Command secured her conviction on October 13.

The agency had arraigned Ogierarakhi, before the National Industrial Court, Benin city, Edo state for procurement for pr#stitution.

The offence contravenes the various provisions of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

The statement said that the convict was, however, given an option of a fine to the tune of N1 million.

"The charge was filed on the 1st of December, 2021 at the National Industrial Court, Benin City," the statement read.

"The convict initially pleaded not guilty to the charge on the 8th of March, 2022.In the course of trial, the convict changed her plea and admitted guilt to the charge.

"Consequently, she was convicted on two counts, bothering on procurement for prostitution, contrary to Section 16(1) of Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. The convict was sentenced to 12months imprisonment with a fine of N1 Million Naira."