The convict, Ebere Jessica Nnamani, who was arraigned by the National Agency for the
Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), was found guilty and sentenced
for offences contrary to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement
and Administration (TIPPEA) Act 2015.
In the Suit, FRN Vs Ebere Jessica Nnamani, filed at the
Federal High Court, Enugu with suit number: FHC/EN/CR/80/2017, the defendant
was charged on a 2-count charge of harbouring a person under 12 years old as
domestic help and requiring a person to do work that is injurious to her physical,
social and psychological development, offences contrary to sections 23
(1)(a)&(b) of the TIPPEA Act 2015.
The trafficker was arrested on October 2017, 19, for
physically abusing a seven years old girl from Ebonyi State living in her
house. The information, which led to the rescue of the girl, was given by a
concerned Nigerian. Nnamani was
arraigned on December 5, 2017.
Delivering the judgment, the Presiding Judge, Justice Oghoghore pronounced her guilty
as she pleaded guilty to the charges brought against her, and was subsequently
sentenced as follows: Count 1: 1-6 months imprisonment with an option of fine
of N50,000.00, and for the 2nd count: 12 months imprisonment with an
option of fine of N100,000.00. The sentences are to run concurrently and the
defendant is to be remanded in prison custody pending the payment of fine.
Reacting to the news, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame
Julie Okah-Donli commended the efforts of the Officers for their prosecutorial
prowess and reiterated the Agency’s resolve to combat exploitative child labour
and warned detractors to desist from such or face the full wrath of the law.
No comments:
Post a Comment