A Bayelsa State High Court on Thursday delivered a seven‑year custodial sentence to 25‑year‑old Gloria Lucky after finding her guilty of trafficking a minor for sexual exploitation, and ordered her to pay substantial fines and compensation to the victims.
Key facts
- The judgment was handed down by Hon. Justice Doris O. Adokeme in Court 3 of the Bayelsa State High Court.
- Lucky faced four counts, including facilitating human‑trafficking activities under Sections 13(c) and 13(f) of the law, and procuring a person under 18 for sexual exploitation under Section 16(2).
- She was also charged with enabling foreign travel that promoted prostitution, contravening Section 18 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
- All four sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in a total term of seven years.
- In addition to imprisonment, the court imposed a fine of N3,000,000 and directed Lucky to pay N500,000 as compensation to each of the two victims.
What charges were brought against Gloria Lucky?
The prosecution alleged that Lucky acted as a facilitator for individuals involved in human trafficking, specifically by arranging the movement of a teenager for the purpose of prostitution. The charges cited violations of Sections 13(c) and 13(f) of the anti‑trafficking statutes, which criminalise assistance to traffickers, as well as Section 16(2), which makes it illegal to procure anyone under the age of 18 for sexual exploitation.
How did the court address the foreign‑travel element?
The court found that Lucky had also aided the victim’s travel abroad in a manner that furthered the prostitution scheme, breaching Section 18 of the 2015 anti‑trafficking act. This provision targets any facilitation of overseas movement that contributes to sexual exploitation.
What penalties were imposed?
Justice Adokeme ordered that the four convictions be served concurrently, resulting in a single seven‑year prison term. The judgment also included a monetary fine of N3 million and a compensation award of N500 000 to each victim, reflecting the court’s intent to provide restitution and deter similar offences.
Why is this case significant?
The ruling underscores Nigeria’s strict stance on human trafficking and the exploitation of minors. By applying multiple sections of the 2015 Act, the court demonstrated a comprehensive approach to tackling both domestic and cross‑border aspects of trafficking, sending a clear message that facilitation of such crimes will attract severe legal consequences.
The case adds to a growing body of jurisprudence aimed at strengthening enforcement of anti‑trafficking legislation across the country, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protect vulnerable children from sexual exploitation.