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

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has expressed its appreciation for 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 travel for 12 persons to practise 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 judgement, the trial court found Felicia guilty on all 24 counts and sentenced her accordingly.

NAPTIP’s Commander, Benin Zonal Command, Mr. Nduka Nwanwenne, was full of praise for the agency’s legal team's diligent prosecution.

He also applauded the court for the judgement when he spoke with the newsmen on Tuesday in Benin.

Nwanwenne noted that the hands of justice must surely manifest sooner than later, no matter the delay.