From Bolaji Robert, Lagos
A 29-year-old woman, Chidera Oluchi Winifred Nwabugwu, was on Wednesday charged before a Lagos Federal High Court for trafficking a girl to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for prostitution.
Chidera who also bears Chidera John, a resident of 111, F Close, Festac Town, Lagos, and Sir Murphy’s Compound, Umuezeawala, Ihiala, Anambra State, was arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on a three-count charge of conspiracy, promoting prostitution and trafficking in person.
The prosecuting agency, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), told the court that the defendant and the duo of Bella and Chinyere, both at large, on March 14, 2016, conspired among themselves and organised the Dubai trip for one Jennifer Simon for the purpose of prostitution.
NAPTIP’s prosecutor, Becky Dibo, also said the defendant and the two others at large exported the said Jennifer Simon to Dubai for the purpose of forcing or inducing her into prostitution.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defendant’s counsel, E. B. Okoye, asked the court for a short date to enable him bring his client’s bail application before the court.
However, Justice Aneke, while adjourning the trial to December 13, ordered that she be remanded in the Kirikiri facility of NCoS, telling the defendant’s counsel that he could approach the court any time his client’s bail application was filed.
