The National Agency for the Prohibition for the Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned two ladies, Blessing Lucky and Joyce Okeke, for engaging in foreign prostitution cartel ring.
The two ladies who are also known as Mary Frank and Eva, were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Ayokunle Faji on a seven count-charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, promoting prostitution and buying of human beings for the purpose of using them for prostitution.
The prosecutor, Mrs Becky Jibo, while arraigning the defendants on Friday, told the court that the defendants, committed the offences sometimes in February this year.
The prosecutor told the court that the two defendants procured one Mariam Adamu, a.k.a. Blessing, who resides in Lagos, and Imasuen Chimuanya Delight A.k.a. Zara, who were sexually exploited.
She also told the court that the defendants procured and harboured the dou Marliam a.k.a.Blessing and Delight A.k.a. Zara, and facilitated her traveling to Togo and induced her into prostitution.
The prosecutor, Mrs. Jibo told the court that the offences committed by the defendants contravened section 1b; 15 (b); 21; 18 and 27(a) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2016 and punishable under the same Section of the Act.
The two defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Following their plea of not guilty, the prosecutor asked the court for trial date and urged the court to remand them till the determination of the charges against them.
But lawyer to the two defendants informed the court that they have filed their clients bail applications and same have been served on the prosecutor. The counsel submission was confirmed by the prosecutor and said she had filed her counter.
Justice Faji, after listening to the parties on the bail applications, admitted bail to the defendants in various terms and conditions.
The judge thereafter, adjourned the matter till June 2 and July 11 to 13 for trial.
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