The Plateau State Government has secured the conviction of three human traffickers found guilty of trafficking nine children from different parts of the state, in a major victory against human trafficking.
The convicts — Victoria Ugu, Prophetess Glory Nwachukwa and Rita Abueze — were prosecuted by the Plateau State Ministry of Justice under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
Delivering judgment, Justice I. S. Galadima ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the three offenders to various prison terms alongside fines.
The Ministry of Justice described the judgment as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to protect children and other vulnerable persons from exploitation.
According to the ministry, the convictions reflect the commitment of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration to ensuring that human traffickers are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.
The ministry stressed that human trafficking remains a serious violation of human rights and warned that anyone involved in the crime 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 combat child trafficking and related offences across the state.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child trafficking, forced labour and exploitation to the appropriate authorities.
Source: Plateau State Ministry of Justice
