An Edo State High Court in Benin has remanded two suspects, Gift Etim Okon (25) and Omokaro Happiness Valentine (42) in the Benin Correctional Centre for allegedly trafficking young girls to Europe for prostitution.
The suspects were arraigned by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on a two-count charge of procuring and harbouring underage girls for prostitution and exploitation contrary to Section 13 (2) (b) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
NAPTIP’s counsel, Oburoh Victoria Okanigbuan, told the court that sometime in April, 2023, the suspects procured twin sisters, Victor Joy and Victor Victory, who were 14 years and indigenes of Akwa Ibom State and harboured them in a hotel in Benin for the purpose of prostitution and exploitation.
The suspects pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them and requested bail.
However, NAPTIP’s counsel prayed the court to remand them to enable the agency to conclude investigation.
Justice Geraldine Ono Imadegbelo remanded the suspects and adjourned the case to June 14.
