NAPTIP SECURES CONVICTION OF HIGH PROFILE TRAFFICKER- FELICIA 03-10-22
By Sadiq Aminu The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has secured the conviction of a socialite in Benin City and high-profile trafficker, Felicia Osaigbovo, also known as Mama Masha.
In a statement, Press officer of NAPTIP, Mr Vincent Adekoya says the suspect has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined N24 million by Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo of the High Court, Criminal Division, Benin City.
Felicia Osaigbovo, a 62-year-old member of a human trafficking syndicate, was involved in the recruitment and trafficking of 12 Nigerian girls to Belgium for sexual exploitation.
Also, 12 collaborators, including three of the convict’s children, have already been convicted in Belgium.
The case against the convict commenced on July 1, 2021, with a 24-count charge that included assisting the activities of persons engaged in trafficking in persons and organizing foreign travels that promote prostitution, in violation of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA), 2015.
The court found the convict guilty of all 24 counts, leading to a sentence of 12 years in prison and a fine of N24 million.
Responding to the judgment, Director General of NAPTIP, Professpr Fatima Waziri–Azi commended the verdict by the judiciary and stressed that it represents an appropriate and significant punishment.
Professor Waziri-Azi lauded the collaborative efforts of the Belgium Police Authorities, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the UK National Crime Agency under the Joint Border Task Force Initiative, and UNODC in ensuring justice for the victims.
She described the conviction as NAPTIP’s determination to send a clear message to those involved in the dirty business of trafficking in persons.
“NAPTIP shall continue working tirelessly to ensure a safer and better society,” affirmed the Director General.”