The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced that the Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction and sentencing of a human trafficking offender, Titilayo Folorunso, for trafficking, procurement for prostitution, and organising foreign travel linked to prostitution.
In a statement issued by the agency, NAPTIP said the apex court delivered a unanimous judgment this month, upholding the earlier rulings of both the trial court and the Court of Appeal.
According to the agency, investigations revealed that the victim was lured with false promises of employment abroad before being subjected to severe exploitation.
“The victim was deceived with promises of a teaching job in Malta but was trafficked through Niger Republic to Libya where she was subjected to prostitution, abuse, forced abortions, and severe exploitation,” the statement said.
NAPTIP disclosed that the trial court sentenced Folorunso to seven years imprisonment on each count, a verdict that was sustained by the appellate courts.
“The trial court sentenced the convict to seven years imprisonment on each count, a decision upheld by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in a unanimous judgment,” the agency stated.
The anti-trafficking agency added that the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal for lacking merit, describing the ruling as a strong signal of Nigeria’s resolve to tackle human trafficking and protect victims of exploitation.
“The apex court held that the appeal lacked merit, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring justice for victims of exploitation,” NAPTIP added.
In a separate case, the agency also confirmed the conviction of another offender, Bose Jimoh, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
According to NAPTIP, Jimoh was sentenced to seven years imprisonment and fined N4 million for organising foreign travels that promote prostitution and exporting victims for exploitation.
“The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos convicted and sentenced Bose Jimoh to seven years imprisonment and a N4 million fine for organising foreign travels that promote prostitution and exporting victims for exploitation,” the statement noted.
NAPTIP explained that the offences are punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.
