A Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has sentenced 29-year-old Eniola Boluwatife Adedeji to 45 years in prison for trafficking a minor to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sexual exploitation.

Adedeji was convicted on nine of the 10 counts preferred against her by National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Person( NAPTIP) with the court imposing a five-year prison sentence for each count. The sentences are to be served concurrently

The Commander of NAPTIP in Ogun State, Bose Jimoh, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said that the conviction was secured before Hon. Justice A. J. Adeyemi of Court 2, Federal High Court, Abeokuta.

Jimoh explained that police officers apprehended the defendant in Adigbe, Abeokuta, on August 18, 2024.

She noted that investigations reportedly established her connection to the cross-border trafficking of a minor, leading to her arraignment and formal charging before the court on September 24, 2024.

The trial commenced on March 12, 2025, and lasted several months before judgement was delivered on June 5, 2026. The court found the defendant guilty on counts 1 to 8 and count 10, but discharged and acquitted her on count 9.

The offences for which Adedeji was convicted are contrary to various provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. The Act prescribes stiff penalties for anyone found guilty of recruiting, transporting, or exploiting persons for sexual or labour purposes.

NAPTIP said the victim, whose identity was withheld for protection, was trafficked to Cotonou in the Republic of Benin for sexual exploitation. The agency described the conviction as a strong warning to human traffickers operating within and outside Nigeria.

The commander commended the judiciary for its commitment to justice and praised the diligence of prosecutors and investigators who worked on the case. She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving minors to law enforcement agencies

The court’s decision adds to recent convictions secured by NAPTIP in Ogun State, including the 12-year sentence handed to 27-year-old Chukwuemeka Iheamama for trafficking two minors. The agency reiterated its resolve to prosecute all offenders and protect vulnerable Nigerians from modern-day slavery. (The Guardian)

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