Mariam Omokiri jailed for human trafficking of Bayelsa girls to Mali and Senegal. Court hands her 7 years’ sentence and ₦1m fine

Mariam Omokiri jailed for human trafficking in a landmark ruling by a Bayelsa State High Court, which sentenced the 29-year-old woman to seven years in prison and imposed a ₦1 million fine for trafficking young girls for prostitution.

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Omokiri, who hails from neighbouring Delta State, was found guilty of trafficking four girls from Bayelsa to Mali and Senegal under the guise of offering them better opportunities abroad.

Instead, she exported them into forced prostitution.

The judgment was delivered on Wednesday in Yenagoa by Justice Doris Adokeme, following charges brought by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The court ruled that Omokiri’s actions contravened Sections 13(1)(2)(b), 13(4)(a)(c), 14(b), and 18 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

Justice Adokeme stated:

“From the totality of the evidence by the prosecution, I am satisfied that the case has been proved beyond reasonable doubt. Human trafficking is a grave offence that tarnishes the country’s global image.”

The conviction comes amid renewed efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat trafficking, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where vulnerable young women are often targeted by criminal syndicates.

Reacting to the judgment, the Acting Commander of NAPTIP Bayelsa, Fadewara Timiebiowei, represented by Charles Emomotimi, welcomed the verdict.

“This judgment sends a clear signal — Bayelsa is not a safe haven for human trafficking.”

He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspected trafficking activities to the appropriate authorities, emphasising that NAPTIP remains committed to eradicating human exploitation.

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In a related development, the Rivers State Police Command recently dismantled a separate child trafficking ring led by a convicted trafficker, Blessing Jack, reinforcing concerns about the growing threat of organised trafficking networks in southern Nigeria.