A High Court sitting in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, has sentenced a 44-year-old woman, Goodness Daniel, to five years in prison over her involvement in human trafficking. The judgment was delivered by Honourable Justice Peace Otti, who ruled that the offence committed by the convict contravened the provisions of Nigeria’s anti-trafficking laws.
According to details obtained by KIIN360, the convict was arraigned on charges relating to the recruitment and transportation of persons for exploitative purposes—an offence under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. After carefully evaluating the evidence presented by the prosecution, Justice Otti found Mrs. Daniel guilty and handed down a five-year custodial sentence. However, in line with judicial discretion, the court offered her an option to pay a fine of ₦2 million in lieu of serving the full jail term.
The case, which was prosecuted by legal officers representing the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), underscores the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, especially in southeastern Nigeria, where cases of cross-border trafficking have raised serious concern in recent years.
During the proceedings, the prosecution detailed how the accused engaged in activities aimed at deceiving and luring vulnerable individuals into exploitative conditions, promising them non-existent opportunities abroad. The court noted that such acts not only violate the rights and dignity of the victims but also damage Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Otti reiterated the importance of upholding justice for victims of trafficking, stating that the punishment was meant to serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar crimes. While acknowledging the convict’s right to appeal, the judge emphasized the seriousness with which Nigerian courts are now treating offences related to human trafficking.
The judgment adds to a growing number of convictions recorded in recent months as part of intensified efforts by both federal and state authorities to crack down on trafficking rings operating within Nigeria. Analysts believe that stronger enforcement of existing laws, combined with sustained public awareness campaigns, will play a critical role in reducing the incidence of trafficking across the country.
