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. READ ALSO 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.
Shola Balogun, a Nigerian-British officer from Bromley Police Station, was fired by the UK’s Metropolitan Police Service after reportedly biting a coworker at a birthday celebration in Bexleyheath, Kent. Senior officer Christopher McKay presided over the disciplinary hearing, which took place from October 21–23, 2024. The panel included Assessor-Detective Superintendent Kirsty Mead and IPM Amanda Harvey. The event happened on April 22, 2022, at Goals Sports Bar during a 40th birthday celebration that was attended by about 70 people. READ ALSO The hearing document states that the victim and Balogun, who are both employed at Bromley Police Station, had previously joked about but kept up a cordial working relationship. But according to reports, there was an altercation at the party when Balogun allegedly took the victim’s glasses and then bit him. after a fierce argument, on his face. Medical records verified that the victim had been bitten, despite Balogun’s denial that he had done so and his assertion that the spectacles had been removed by accident. According to the College of Policing Code of Ethics, which places a strong emphasis on upholding public trust, the panel determined that Balogun’s conduct were against police standards, specifically Discreditable Conduct. Despite glowing character recommendations from coworkers, including his inspector, the panel decided that Balogun should be fired immediately due to his prior disciplinary record and the gravity of the occurrence. According to the panel, “Dismissal Without Notice is the only appropriate and proportionate outcome in this case.” “The Panel keeps in mind what Lord Justice Maurice Kay said in the famous Salter v. Chief Constable case.” after a fierce argument, on his face. Medical records verified that the victim had been bitten, despite Balogun’s denial that he had done so and his assertion that the spectacles had been removed by accident. According to the College of Policing Code of Ethics, which places a strong emphasis on upholding public trust, the panel determined that Balogun’s conduct were against police standards, specifically Discreditable Conduct. Despite glowing character recommendations from coworkers, including his inspector, the panel decided that Balogun should be fired immediately due to his prior disciplinary record and the gravity of the occurrence. According to the panel, “Dismissal Without Notice is the only appropriate and proportionate outcome in this case.” “The Panel keeps in mind what Lord Justice Maurice Kay said in the famous Salter v. Chief Constable case.”
