Dare Babalola
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has recorded major legal victories after two persons convicted of human trafficking were handed seven-year prison terms in separate cases.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency said the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed the conviction of a trafficker found guilty of trafficking a victim abroad for prostitution and exploitation.
According to NAPTIP, the apex court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on May 8, 2026, dismissed the appeal filed by Titilayo Folorunso and upheld the earlier rulings of both the trial court and the Court of Appeal.
The agency disclosed that investigations showed the victim was lured with the promise of employment as a teacher in Malta, but was instead taken through Niger Republic to Libya where she was allegedly forced into prostitution and subjected to abuse.
NAPTIP said the victim also endured forced abortions and other forms of severe exploitation during the ordeal.
“The trial court sentenced the convict to seven years imprisonment on each count, and that judgment has now been sustained by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,” the agency stated.
It added that the Supreme Court found no substance in the appeal, describing the verdict as a strong signal of Nigeria’s resolve to prosecute traffickers and protect vulnerable persons.
In a separate development, NAPTIP said the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos convicted another trafficker, Bose Jimoh, on May 7, 2026.
According to the agency, Jimoh was sentenced to seven years imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of N4 million after being found guilty of arranging foreign travel for prostitution and exporting victims for exploitation.
“The Federal High Court in Lagos convicted and sentenced Bose Jimoh to seven years imprisonment with a N4 million fine for offences relating to trafficking and exploitation,” the statement said.
NAPTIP noted that the offences were prosecuted under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking, warning that offenders would continue to face stiff legal consequences.
