Lagos Court Remands Woman for Alleged Trafficking of Three Ladies to Ghana for Prostitution
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Rejoice John, alias Success, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly trafficking three young women to Ghana for prostitution.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke gave the order on Wednesday, pending the hearing and ruling on her bail application.
John is facing five-count charges filed by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
According to the prosecution, led by U.I. Egonu, the accused allegedly organized and facilitated the foreign travel of a 22-year-old woman, alias Queen, from Nigeria to Ghana in June 2024 for the purpose of prostitution.
After being deported from Ghana, John allegedly continued the illegal operation between June and September 2024, trafficking and harboring two more victims, alias Ella (21) and Grace (22).
The alleged offences violate Sections 18 and 15(b) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.
John pleaded not guilty to the charges. While the prosecution urged the court to deny bail due to the seriousness of the crime and its international implications, the defence counsel, E.O. Ajoku, argued that the offence is bailable and requested her release.
Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 5, 2025, for a ruling on bail but ordered John to remain in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until then.
Will the court grant bail or uphold her remand? February 5 will be decisive.