Two Women Arraigned for Encouraging Girls into Prostitution

Two women, Adesuwa Osaro and Esther Omosede, yesterday appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos over charges of human trafficking.

The first accused, 23, is also said to be self-styled “Oluwabunmi Adeleke, Frank Mabelle, and Joy Aisha,” while the second accused, 32, is said to be self-styled “Mama Genesis.”

The first accused is said to be resident at No 3. Ugbowo Sawmill Road, Benin City, while the second accused resides at No. 8 Vincent Asemota St. Uwasota Benin City, Edo State.

The accused were charged by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), on nine counts bordering on procuring young girls for prostitution in Mali.

The prosecution alleged that the accused conspired to procure oversees trips for three girls aged 18, 27, and 28 respectively, to Mali for prostitution.

They were alleged to have harboured the girls within their confines, so as to procure their visas and facilitate their trips abroad.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 18, 25, and 27 of the Trafficking In Person (Prohibition) and Administration Act, 2015.

They however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo granted the first accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum, while the second accused was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Oguntoyinbo has adjourned until October 24 and 25 for trial.