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Two Nigerian women arrested in Gambia for alleged sex trafficking of minors
Two Nigerian women arrested in Gambia for alleged sex trafficking of minors
Two Nigerian women have been arrested by the National Association Against Trafficking In Persons (NAATIP) for the alleged s3x trafficking of minors in Gambia.
This was disclosed by the StandardNewsGambia on Monday, July 31, 2023.
The arrest came following an investigation launched by a new Gambian investigative outfit, The Guardian Intelligence Investigative Platform.
The investigation, focusing on s3x trafficking, was launched a few weeks ago following reports of massive trafficking of young Nigerian girls, some of whom are as young as 15 years.
The two women, who were held at the Brusubi and Kairaba police stations were released on bail and currently helping the police in their investigations.
A senior state lawyer told The Guardian Intelligence that s3x trafficking is not a capital offense in Gambian laws and because of that the alleged offenders can be bailed.
Jennifer and Viviane have since admitted to bringing the girls into the country but insisted that the girls knew they were coming to Banjul to trade in s3x work. A claim all the girls interviewed by this medium denied.
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“I admit that I brought them to The Gambia but I had informed them they will be doing Ashawo (s3x work). I never told them they were going to do business or work in a restaurant,” Viviane insisted.
When asked whether she knew the girls were underage and could not have given consent, Viviane said she would not know if the girls had not told her in the first place.
But one of the girls who was trafficked by Viviane said she was promised that she would work in a restaurant.
“I was shocked when I realised that I was brought to The Gambia to do Ashawo (s3x work),” she told this medium based on anonymity for safety reasons.
On her part, Jennifer who is believed to be one of the toughest among the traffickers, had a tough exchange with NAATIP investigators during the interrogation and insisted she has done nothing wrong.
When approached for comments, she tensely said: “I am unfairly targeted. I have done nothing wrong.”
The investigation has managed to talk to about 10 victims who have given a detailed explanation of the trauma they face since arriving in the country. One of the victims detailed how she was forced to have s3x with a man while seeing her period.
The reporting and prosecuting cases of s3x or human trafficking have been a major problem in The Gambia and many countries around the world, the publication reported.
The perpetrators usually get away with their actions through bribery and inducement of law enforcement officers.
There were cases where the madams were heard in WhatsApp audios shared by some of the victims warning them that they would not be able to have justice because even if they report the matter, they (madams) will pay money and get released. Despite several reports of trafficking cases.
The Gambia has not registered much success in terms of prosecution. But a senior investigator at NAATIP has expressed their desire to ensure that the alleged offenders are taken through due process and if found wanting they will be prosecuted.
Two Nigerian women arrested in Gambia for alleged sex trafficking of minors
metro
Three Ogun varsity students die auto crash
Three Ogun varsity students die auto crash
The Police Command in Ogun State has confirmed the death of three university students in a single-vehicle accident on the Ilisan-Ago-Iwoye Road.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, revealed that the victims were suspected to be students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.
The incident, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, involved an Opel car with registration number AAA-126 HE. The vehicle was reportedly driven by Adekunle Adebiyi, a resident of 5 Sunmibare Street, Awa Ijebu.
“The accident was caused by overspeeding, leading to the driver losing control and the vehicle flipping into the bush,” Odutola explained.
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She further disclosed that one male passenger, whose identity is yet to be confirmed but is believed to be an OOU student, died on the spot. His body was taken to the mortuary at General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.
“Two female students from Olabisi Onabanjo University — Dada Oluwanifesimi, 18, and Miracle Daniel, 19 — were rushed to Love and Care Hospital but sadly passed away while receiving treatment,” she added.
The vehicle involved in the crash has been recovered and is now in police custody.
Odutola assured the public that further updates on the tragic incident would be provided and advised motorists to adhere to traffic regulations, particularly during the festive season.
Three Ogun varsity students die auto crash
metro
Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide
Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide
Dangote Refinery has announced a partnership with MRS to make Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, available at ₦935 per litre nationwide through MRS retail outlets.
This development follows the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) recent move to lower petrol prices below ₦1,000 per litre.
In a statement shared on Saturday via X, the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, praised President Bola Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira-for-crude swap initiative on the Nigerian economy. He noted that the policy had contributed to a reduction in the cost of petroleum products.
“To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
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“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre,” the statement read.
Dangote further revealed that the new pricing had already been implemented in Lagos and would be extended nationwide starting Monday.
He urged other oil marketers, including NNPC Retail, to collaborate to ensure Nigerians benefit from affordable and high-quality petrol.
“The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high-quality petrol at cheaper prices,” Dangote stated.
“Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high-quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.”
The naira-for-crude initiative was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in September under President Tinubu’s administration. The policy, which came into effect on October 1, has eased demand for the dollar and helped stabilize the naira, contributing to the reduction in fuel prices.
Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide
metro
How Nigerian, 37, was brutally murdered by four South Africans
How Nigerian, 37, was brutally murdered by four South Africans
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa has condemned the alleged murder of another Nigerian, 37-year-old Julius Chukwunta, by four South Africans.
The native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State was reportedly attacked on December 7, 2024 while driving to his residence.
Chukwunta stayed in Midrand Protea Estate until his death.
NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.
According to him, after attempting to pass through, he was met with resistance, prompting him to seek help at the security office.
Onyekwelu said: “At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound.
“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.
“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.
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“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.
“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”
Onyekwelu confirmed that the case, reported by Chukwunta’s partner, had been registered at the Midrand Police Station under file number: 262/12/2024.
He said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.
He added: “The court proceedings on December 18, 2024 saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail.
“The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”
Onyekwelu expressed disappointment at the proceedings and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.
He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.
How Nigerian, 37, was brutally murdered by four South Africans
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