NAPTIP nabs operators of forced labour
Dame Julie Okah-Donli, Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has nabbed two operators of forced labour for attempting to traffic unsuspecting persons to Libya, and Finland.
Speaking while parading the suspects in Abuja, the Director General of the Agency, Julie Okah-Donli warned parents, guardians to be extra vigilant as human trafficking and rape are on the increase in the country.
She said: “We would like to use this opportunity to appeal to parents especially the mothers to pay closer attention to their daughters. These are the people that are being violated on daily basis. The spate of rape is becoming very high and we all must work together to end this. To those out there who now take delight in destroying the lives of the girl child because of their uncontrollable sexual appetite, NAPTIP will no longer allow this to thrive.”
A suspect, one Mr Abiona David Oluwafemi Tobi, was alleged to have attempted to traffic 12 persons to Finland under the pretence of going to the country for a study tour of health facilities.
NAPTIP said Mr Abiona and four of the victims were apprehended last Wednesday 29th August 2018 by its operatives while at the Embassy of Finland trying to procure the visas, adding, that the suspect has confessed to his misdeeds while investigation continues.
In another case, a 33-years old Asia Rita was alleged to have attempted trafficking seven persons to Libya for forced labour.The alleged victims were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Katsina and transferred to NAPTIP on Wednesday 29th August by the NIS Headquarters. NAPTIP boss, who lauded the NIS for the collaborative effort, said investigations are still on going on the case.
NAPTIP also accused one 27 years old airport taxi driver, James Eberechukwu Osuji, who hails from Ehime Mbano, Imo State and resides at Zone B, Galadimawa Village, Off Lokogoma roundabout, Abuja of rape of minor.
The NAPTIP chief said sexual violations against minors are serious offences punishable under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPPA) 2015. A 43 years old Pastor Philip ‘Prince’ Olatunbosun, who hails from Ondo West in Ondo State and resides at Number 191, Zone 4, Dutse Bupma Settlement Area, off Bwari road, Abuja was also arrested for sexually harassing his 17 years old house help in January, 2018.
The Agency said the suspect was apprehended by a tactical team of the NAPTIP rapid response squad and is presently in the custody of the Agency while further investigation continues.
