Sandra Okon, a Nigerian national from Akwa Ibom State, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Boundiali Court in Côte d’Ivoire on charges of sex trafficking.
The conviction follows the rescue of four young victims who were trafficked.
This case underscores ongoing regional efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation, with authorities in Côte d’Ivoire taking firm steps to prosecute traffickers and protect vulnerable individuals.
The conviction comes as four young Nigerian girls, trafficked to Mali under false promises of legitimate work, were successfully rescued.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), working with the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO) based in Mali, coordinated the operation, leading to the safe recovery of the young women.
Emmanuel Awhen, NAPTIP’s Uyo Zonal Commander, revealed the details at a press briefing in Uyo, pointing out the challenges of dismantling cross-border trafficking networks.
“These young women endured serious hardship, but thanks to the swift intervention of NAPTIP and GAHTO, they are now safe and receiving the necessary support to reintegrate into society,” Awhen stated.
He explained that the girls had been misled by traffickers who lured them under the guise of supermarket and salon jobs but instead forced them into sexual exploitation.