Human trafficking victim turns trafficker Ese Edomwonyi jailed 12 months

By Jethro Ibileke

The Benin Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP), has secured the conviction of a 24-year-old woman, Ese Glory Edomwonyi, for human trafficking.

The convict was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for the same offence that she was rescued from at Seme borders, a few years ago while being trafficked out of the country.

Mrs. Edomwonyi, who is also known as Mama Gift, recruited a 14-yearold girl (name withheld), for her sister Lovette, who resides in Burkina Faso.

The Edo State Commander of NAPTIP, Nduka Nwanwenne, in a statement, said Edomwonyi who is a house wife and mother of five, was arraigned in charge No: B/NAPTIP/9C/2022, before Hon. Justice Irele Ifeje of Court 3, Criminal Division of the Edo State High Court, Benin city.

The statement said she was charged for engaging in acts of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 13 (4)c of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence.

“On arrival at Burkina Faso, the victim was subjected to beatings, denial of food and slavery, when she objected initially to engage in prostitution.

“She was later sold to another lady who forced her into prostitution, thereby losing her virginity. The traffickers collected all her earrings.

“The victim was latter rescued after the arrest of the convict who was sentenced to one year jail,” the statement said.