The fight against human trafficking in Nigeria has recorded another victory as the Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto, Sokoto State sentenced 25-year-old Samaila Jelani to four years imprisonment for human trafficking.
The offender was arraigned by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons on a two-count charge of sexually exploiting an underage girl and harbouring the said underage girl in his friend’s house with intent to further exploit her sexually.
Both acts contravene sections 16(1) and 15 (b) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration (TIPPEA) Act, 2015.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Saleh Idrissa, having listened to evidence presented by both prosecuting and defence teams, found the accused guilty of procuring an underage girl for sexual exploitation, and subsequently sentenced him to four years imprisonment without the option of fine.
The second charge was however struck out by the Judge.