NAPTIP jubilates as 62-year-old trafficker goes in for 12 years

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has expressed appreciation at Tuesday’s sentencing of a human trafficker, Felicia Osaigbovo to 12 years imprisonment. A Benin High Court sentenced 62-year-old Felicia to 12 years at the Correctional Centre and a fine of N24 million for her involvement in human trafficking. NAPTIP arraigned the convict on July 1, 2021 on a 24- count charge of assisting persons engaged in trafficking, contrary to the law. She was also charged with organising foreign travels for 12 persons to practice prostitution in Belgium, contrary to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (2015). The convict pleaded not guilty to all the counts, but the prosecution called three witnesses, including Belgian police officer, Jimmy Wellem Hendricks to prove its case. The prosecution tendered 13 exhibits in the cause of trial. In delivering judgment, the trial court found Felicia guilty on all the 24 counts and sentenced her accordingly. NAPTIP’s Commander, Benin Zonal Command, Mr Nduka Nwanwenne was full of praises for the agency’s legal team for diligent prosecution. He also applauded the court for the judgment when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Benin. Nwanwenne noted that the hands of justice must surely manifest, sooner than later, no matter the delay.