A Bayelsa State High Court on Tuesday sentenced a suspected human trafficker, Mariam Omokiri, 29, to seven years in prison. She was prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Offences (NAPTIP).

The convict was arraigned before the court on January 30, 2025 on account of organizing and trafficking four girls from Bayelsa to Mali and Senegal for prostitution.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 13(1)(2)(b), 13(4)(a)(c), 14(b) and 18 of the Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

Delivering judgment, Justice Doris Adokeme held that from the totality of evidence by the prosecution, she was satisfied that the prosecution had successful proved its case against all the defendants.

She said that out of the four prayers, the count granted two prayers and sentenced the suspect to seven years in prison and an additional fine of one million naira.

Justice Adokeme, said that the offence of trafficking in persons is a very serious offence which has negatively affected the image of the country internationally.

She held that the terms shall run concurrently.

She also ordered the suspect to pay one million naira fine for trafficking, exporting and promoting prostitution by young girls.

The Acting Commander NAPTIP Bayelsa Mr Fadewara Timiebiowei Command, represented by Barr. Charles Emomotimi, said this will send a signal that Bayelsa is not safe haven for human trafficking activities.

He equally encouraged parents and guardians to report all forms of human trafficking to NAPTIP Bayelsa Command or other security Agencies.

On his part, a representative of the victim's family and one time Commissioner for Works Bayelsa Chief Charles Ambaowei, thanked NAPTIP Bayelsa for the good job.

He promised that the Bayelsa government will partner with the command to end human trafficking in the state.

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