In a significant crackdown on cross-border human trafficking, a 32-year-old Nigerian woman, Promise Obianu Awayiaka, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Sogakope Circuit Court in Ghana. She was convicted on seven counts of human trafficking after pleading guilty to luring seven Nigerian women into forced prostitution under false pretenses.
Deceptive Recruitment and Coercion
Promise enticed her victims with promises of employment as salesgirls in Ghana. Upon arrival, the women were subjected to ritualistic practices, including the shaving of their pubic hair, to instill fear and ensure compliance. They were then forced into prostitution, with all earnings confiscated by the trafficker. The victims were moved between locations to avoid detection, enduring daily exploitation.
Legal Repercussions and Victim Support
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Promise to pay GH¢10,000 (approximately $850) to each victim as compensation. The Ghana Immigration Service has been tasked with providing counseling to the victims and facilitating their safe return to Nigeria.
A Broader Issue
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of human trafficking in West Africa, where vulnerable individuals are often exploited through deceit and coercion. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and cooperation to combat such crimes and protect potential victims.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Nigeria or the appropriate local authorities for assistance.
