The Plateau State Government has secured the conviction of three human traffickers for trafficking nine children from different parts of the state, reinforcing its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and intensifying the fight against human trafficking.
The convicts — Victoria Ugu, Prophetess Glory Nwachukwa and Rita Abueze — were found guilty under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, following a successful prosecution by the Plateau State Ministry of Justice.
Delivering judgment, Justice I. S. Galadima held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the three defendants, sentencing them to various terms of imprisonment in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The court also imposed fines of varying amounts on the convicts, underscoring the consequences of engaging in human trafficking and related offences.
The Ministry of Justice described the judgment as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to combat human trafficking and protect children and other vulnerable groups from exploitation.
According to the ministry, the successful prosecution reflects the commitment of the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, P. A. Daffi, to ensuring that perpetrators of human trafficking are brought to justice.
The ministry stressed that human trafficking remains a serious violation of human rights and warned that offenders would continue to face the full weight of the law.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with security agencies, the judiciary and anti-trafficking partners to identify, arrest, prosecute and secure convictions against individuals involved in trafficking and related crimes.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child trafficking, forced labour, exploitation and other related offences to the appropriate authorities.
The ministry said the convictions send a clear message that Plateau State is not a safe haven for human traffickers and reaffirmed the government’s determination to protect victims and ensure justice is served.
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