A Nigerian lady was found guilty of sex trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire and given a 12-year sentence.

Four girls are saved while a Nigerian lady is given a 12-year term for sex trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Boundiali Court in Côte d’Ivoire has sentenced Sandra Okon, a Nigerian woman from Akwa Ibom State, to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking.

The conviction follows the successful rescue of four young Nigerian females who were trafficked to Mali on false pretenses of lawful employment.

The young ladies were safely recovered as a result of the operation, which was organized by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organization (GAHTO), which is headquartered in Mali, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

At a press event in Uyo, NAPTIP’s Uyo Zonal Commander, Emmanuel Awhen, disclosed the information while highlighting the difficulties in breaking up transnational trafficking networks.

“These young ladies suffered severe adversity, but because of NAPTIP and GAHTO’s prompt action, they are now secure and getting the help they need to reintegrate into society,” Awhen said.

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He clarified that traffickers had tricked the girls into being coerced into sexual slavery by luring them with the promise of work at supermarkets and salons.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the operation began when one of the girls was able to use a different phone to call a NAPTIP official, explaining her predicament and leaving voicemails that allowed for a coordinated rescue with foreign allies.

More than fifty young Nigerian women are still pushed into forced prostitution in Mali, according to the rescued females.

Awhen responded by advising parents to and guardians to exercise caution when dealing with people who offer international employment prospects, and they urged the Akwa Ibom State government to provide more assistance in the fight against human trafficking.