Tag: NAPTIP

The outgoing Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Imo State, Mr. Ernest Ogbu, has been commended for his tireless efforts in reducing human trafficking in the state.

Ogbu, who has been reassigned to Abuja as NAPTIP’s Deputy Director of Intelligence, was lauded for his selfless dedication to combating human trafficking in Imo.

Speaking at the sendoff party in Owerri, Imo state capital, on Friday, President and Founder of Re-educating Africans on the Risk and Dangers of Unplanned Journey A road (RARDUJA) International, Eddy Duru observed that human trafficking was widespread when the outgoing commander took office four years ago.

Read Also:NAPTIP rescues nine pregnant women from Abuja baby factory

“When Mr. Ernest Ogbu took office as state commander four years ago, human trafficking was widespread in Imo State. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the incidence of human trafficking has decreased substantially,” Duru, NAPTIP Ambassador said.

…as Bishop bags 20-year jail over rape

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued expectant mothers from an alleged Baby Factory in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The women were rescued during a raid of the baby factory located at an estate in the Ushafa area of Abuja on Monday, NAPTIP said in a statement yesterday.

According to the statement signed by the agency’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the victims were locked up in a rented apartment inside the estate by a yet-to-be-identified suspected human trafficking agent.

Adekoye alleged that the said agent recruited the women through an online platform, adding that the place was raided after NAPTIP received a tip-off from a concerned resident who noticed an unusual movement and situation around the area.

Meanwhile, NAPTIP, Adekoye said, secured the conviction and sentencing of a prominent Abuja Bishop who allegedly raped a member’s daughter in March 2023.

He said a Federal High Court in Gudu presided by Justice Adebiyi Osolo sentenced the rapist bishop to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine.

According to Adekoye, the bishop identified as Kenneth Duke, 52, founder of a prominent church located at Dantata Zuba Expressway, raped the victim, aged 12, on March 6, a day after she arrived at his residence so that his wife could enroll her for a skills acquisition programme.

Adekoye said: “The 52-year-old convict, an indigene of Cross River State, was dragged to Court by NAPTIP for raping a 12-year-old girl (name withheld), the daughter of his church member who was entrusted under the care of his family.

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“In case no: CR/702/2023 Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs Bishop Kenneth Duke, the defendant was arraigned before Court 16 on 02/11/2023 on a two-count charge for the offence of rape and intentionally causing emotional and psychological abuse on the victim.”

Giving the facts of the case, NAPTIP explained that the bishop on March 6, 2023, sent his wife’s children on an errand to take advantage of the minor, adding that he ignored all her pleas and cries while raping her.

“Investigation revealed that the victim, an indigene of Ondo State was living in Lagos before she was brought to Abuja to live with her mother.

The report indicated that on 5th March 2023, her mother took her to the Church located at Dantata Zuba Expressway, and after the service, she was taken to the family house of the Bishop who is also the Pastor of the Church so that she could stay with them to enable the Bishop’s wife to take her to where she will learn a skill which both families had earlier discussed.

“It was gathered that the following day, 6th March 2023, the convict, father of five children, sent his children on an errand, and being alone with the victim at home at about 10 am, gave her some mathematic work to solve and as she was trying to do it, the Bishop pounced on her, covered her mouth and violently raped her on a chair despite her crying and pleading.

“In the judgment, the randy clergy was found guilty of a one-count charge of rape and was sentenced accordingly without an option of fine,” Adekoye stated.

Reacting to the judgment, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed gratitude to the judiciary, saying it would serve as a deterrent to others.

“I want to sincerely thank the judiciary for this judgment. It will certainly serve as a deterrent to other people. Like, I warned a few weeks ago, NAPTIP will not spare anyone found to have violated any of the laws irrespective of status, either on human trafficking or violence against persons.

“Rape is a serious crime with everlasting psychological effect and lasting trauma on the victim. We must all rise to say no to this heinous crime and ensure the protection of our children.

“How, can you imagine a 52-year-old man violating a 12-year-old girl? It is painful and it is criminal.

“I am relieved that the judiciary has served the convict the commensurate dose of punishment for his action. This is a warning to others,” the Director General said.

…orders rehabilitation of victim

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has shared the story of a human trafficking victim who was maltreated by her taskmaster in Baghdad, Iraq.

The DG of NAPTIP said the victim, Miss Odunayo Eniola Isaac, was assigned to work for an Iraqi family of eight, working 20 hours daily with little or no rest.

She said Miss Isaac’s ordeal started when she requested to be paid after working for four months.

According to the DG, each time Miss Isaac asked for her remuneration or spoke about it, she suffered a beating which resulted in bleeding and bodily injuries.

She added that, at one point, Miss Isaac’s employer bound her hands and feet and threw her into the dogs’ cage until 3 am before she was released to continue with her work.

Miss Isaac arrived in Nigeria from Baghdad a few days ago following a viral video and media reports that escalated her ordeal in the hands of the Iraqi taskmaster.

Her return was facilitated by NAPTIP in collaboration with other partners, including members of civil society organizations and foreign agencies.

Following her traumatic experience, the NAPTIP boss directed officers of the Counselling and Rehabilitation Department of the Agency and Operatives of the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit (IICU) to commence a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for Miss Isaac.

She also charged the officers to conduct counselling and interview sessions with Miss Isaac to ascertain her medical status, the nature of assistance needed, and her immediate psychosocial need.

The DG, while receiving Miss Isaac at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, expressed sadness over the traumatic experience and the hardship she faced.

Read Also: NAPTIP nabs Dubai-based human trafficker at Abuja airport

The Director General, in a statement by the Press Officer of the agency, Vincent Adekoye, said: “I just finished interaction with the victim. I must say that she had a close shave with death and we are all happy that she is alive to tell her painful story.

“On 22nd January 2023, she left Nigeria and arrived in Baghdad, Iraq the next day; 23rd January 2023 and was received at the Airport by officials of WB Warani Manpower (Company she was registered to work for). She was taken to the hospital on the 24th of January, 2023, to certify she was medically fit for the job she would be assigned to do.

“Her Iraqi Agent, Alhaja Shakirat Yusuf, whom she knows as only ‘Mama Uganda’, came to WB Warani Manpower to sign her in officially on the 25th January 2023 and was assigned to work for an Iraqi family of eight (six children and two parents) on 29th of January 2023. Her work hours span about twenty hours a day, with little or no resting time.

“According to Miss Odunayo, after one month of work, she requested her salary, and her madam said that, because of the high commission in paying money into Nigeria accounts, she would be paid every two months, and she agreed, but after four months, and she still was not paid. Her ordeal then began when she dared to request payment.

“Her phone was confiscated to prevent communication with members of her family. Each time she asked for her remuneration or spoke about it, she suffered a beating resulting in bleeding and bodily injuries. That, at one point, her madam bound her hands and feet and threw her into the dogs’ cage until 3 am before she was released to continue with her work.

“Because of her level of exploitation and trauma, I have directed the relevant department and operatives of the Agency to commence immediate profiling, interview, and the comprehensive process of rehabilitation for her. This is to enable the Agency to assess her medical status, the nature of assistance and skills needed, and to design a part of ensuring her reunion with her family”.

The DG assured that NAPTIP would do the needful to ensure justice for her.

She urged the youths and parents to be careful before jumping at enticing job offers abroad.

“I wish to use this opportunity to thank all our partners, the Federal Ministry of Foreign, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Embassies and Nigeria Mission abroad, other partnering Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDAs), Hope Haven Foundation, the Media and other stakeholders, for a successful collaboration and support which resulted in the eventual arrival of Miss Eniola Isacc.

“It is also important to advise our youths and parents to always be careful and think twice before jumping at any juicy offer of jobs abroad. Over the past few months, we have intercepted scores of youths, mostly girls, at various points of exit across Nigeria, and their destinations have been some of the volatile countries in the Middle East.

“Certainly, a dangerous journey of this nature could have been avoided with simple caution and a check from NAPTIP”, Bello said.

Miss Isaac, said: “I thank God that I am alive. I will not wish that my enemy passes through what I experienced. I never thought I could survive the painful ordeal.”

An alleged notorious human trafficking convicted in absent by a Federal High Court in Delta State has been arrested by officers of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Abuja.

The suspect identified as Uadiale Christiana Jacob, with aliases Christy Evan Osagie and Christy Gold, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on December 31.

She was said to have flown into the country from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UEA) with the hope of celebrating the New Year with loved ones  but was immediately identified by NIS operatives during routine checks and apprehended.

Christy Gold, according to NAPTIP, had been on the wanted list for over five years for offences of human trafficking and was charged to court in 2020, granted bail and then jumped the bail necessitated her trail in absentia.

A statement on Thursday by the agency’s press officer, Vincent Adekoya, revealed that the woman was apprehended on December 31 by Immigration and handed over to NAPTIP.

Adekoye said the suspect, known as a socialite and arrowhead of an international human trafficking network that operates across the Middle East with operational base in the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Dubai, was a senior member of the syndicate that recruited, trafficked and sexually exploited young girls in Dubai.

He said: “Christy Gold, as she is popularly called by the gang members, was arrested and handed over to NAPTIP by the Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on duty at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on 31st December 2024, on arrival from Dubai for new year celebration.

“Her suspected other accomplices, one Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and a certain Prophet John in Lagos along with others are field officers who assist in the recruitment and subsequent transfer of victims to Christy Gold, are still on the run.

“On the 18th March 2020, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ikeja Airport Command shared intelligence with NAPTIP Joint Border Task Force/Benin Satellite Office (JBTF/BSO) in respect of one Uadiale Christiana Jacob aka Christy Evan Osagie aka  Christy Gold of 15 Osagie Street, Off 2nd Power Line, Egbon Estate, Benin City, Edo State.

“Uadiale Christiana Jacob popularly known as Christy Gold is a senior member of an organized human trafficking syndicate notorious for the recruitment, trafficking and sexually exploiting of underage Nigerian girls in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

“Following the agency’s investigation into the alleged offense to establish culpability, Christiana Uadiale Jacob was arrested by NAPTIP in Ikpoba Hill area, Benin City on the 13th of October 2020 for her involvement in the trafficking of  Nigerian girls to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for forced prostitution. 

“She was charged to the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State on the 25th of November 2020, where she was granted bail. 

Read Also: NAPTIP rescues girl, 6 in Akwa Ibom

While on Court bail, Christiana Uadiale Jacob violated the terms of the bail and absconded to Dubai. 

After failing severally to appear before the Court, a Bench Warrant was therefore issued by the sitting Judge on the 3rd of November 2021 for her arrest.

“To get Christiana Uadiale Jacob to face justice for her crimes, NAPTIP sought the assistance and collaboration of the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, National Central Bureau (NCB), INTERPOL Nigeria, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the United Arab Emirates Police for her arrest and extraction to Nigeria.

“Even while she tried to evade justice, NAPTIP did not relent and as a result of our diligent prosecution of the case, Christiana Uadiale Jacob was convicted for human trafficking in absentia by Honourable Justice F.A Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State on the 21st of March 2024 with sentencing being awaited whenever she is rearrested and brought before the Honourable Court.

“Luck however ran out on her on the 31st of December 2024, as Officers of Nigeria Immigration Service acting in respect of NAPTIP’s request for watchlisting dated 22nd February 2023, nabbed her on arrival to Nigeria,” he stated.

Speaking on the development, Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, lauded the efforts of the NIS for apprehending the fleeing human trafficking convict saying that it was a commendable demonstration of inter-agency collaboration.

She said: “I want to specially thank our sister Law Enforcement Agency, the NIS for the arrest of the convict. Recalled that a few weeks ago, I visited the Comptroller General of NIS and the outcome of that advocacy visit is this improved synergy and very efficient collaboration. NAPTI also appreciates the efforts of other members of the Intelligence Community who are working behind the scenes to apprehend these fellows.

“The convict that has been arrested and convicted will surely be taken to the Court to face the sentence by the Law.

“This is a clear message to other members of this international criminal gang who are still on the run: They can only hide for a while; they can never hide forever. We have already activated all necessary security and intelligence apparatus, and our partners around the World are on the lookout for these elements. Very soon, the net will catch them.

“I am happy it was a sad end for human traffickers in the country in 2024 and we promise them a hell in 2025.

“We are more determined and will be more decisive this year to fish them out and ensure the protection of Nigerians from trafficking, exploitation, and violence against persons.”

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has urged parents and Nigerians to be vigilant and watch out for any suspicious persons who may use the opportunity of the celebration to lure, recruit and traffic their children and wards for sexual or labour exploitation.

The Director General gave the advice in Abuja while speaking at the end-of-the-year thanksgiving programme organized by the NAPTIP Christian Fellowship.

She also urged Officers of the Agency and all stakeholders to imbibe the spirit of unity, love, and religious tolerance as Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas which symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ.

Bello, in a statement by Press Officer of the agency, Vincent Adekoye, said: “Christmas is all about love, Giving, and unity. So, while celebrating in this season, let us remember that we are all created by God Almighty. Let us work in unity and love without any division.

“It is also important to advise all parents and stakeholders across the country that while celebrating in our various towns, villages, and communities, let us be vigilant and keep an eye over our children and wards. We should not forget that this is the period when traffickers come around with their ill-gotten wealth and deceive people.

Read Also: NAPTIP rescues 6-year old girl, arrests two suspects in A’Ibom

“I am therefore appealing to our community leaders to report any suspicious movement or activities to NAPTIP. Our reporting platforms are all active and we shall respond to such reports. Let us unite and say no to human trafficking.

“On our part, we shall continue to work hard through the implementation of various counter-trafficking policies and initiatives, through massive enlightenment and awareness creation, through rescue, counselling, and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking and violence against persons as well as diligent prosecution of traffickers, to outsmart these organized criminal elements.”

She thanked President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support to the fight against human trafficking in the Country, the Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly for their unwavering legislative support.

She urged for collective efforts to tackle human traffickers.

“Human traffickers are enemies of this generation and we must unite, share information and collaborate to defeat them.”

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has rescued a six-year old girl who was stolen from her parents in 2018.

Mr Emmanuel Awhen, the Zonal Commander, NAPTIP Uyo, said that the agency achieved the feat in partnership with the Foundation for Justice Development and Peace

He said in an interview the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Thursday, that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the matter.

“The two suspects are currently undergoing interrogations. They will be charged to court when investigation is concluded,” he said.

Read Also: NAPTIP seeks stiffer penalties for rape

Awhen said that the agency got an intelligence report concerning the stolen girl, and traced her to a family in Uyo.

“The girl was kept in our shelter for proper identification. She has been handed over to her biological parents,” he said.

The commander further said that the agency was currently investigating a case of illegal buying and selling of a two-month old baby in the state.

He expressed worries that trafficking in children was on the increase in the state, and cautioned perpetrators to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Awhen who described human trafficking as a crime against humanity, said that NAPTIP was committed to tackling the menace of child stealing.

“We shall continue to sensitise the people to the dangers associated with human trafficking, it is senseless and barbaric, we must discourage it” he said.

(NAN)