For allegedly luring a woman into sex slavery in Libya, a trader, Iyabo Adefioye, was on Wednesday charged before a Somolu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Adefioye, 43, who resides at No. 14, Umoru Street, Olosa in Mushin area of Lagos, is being tried for conspiracy and human trafficking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action had called for international efforts to eradicate sexual slavery as a human rights issue.
Sexual slavery is the slavery of unwilling people for sexual exploitation.
According to the prosecution, the accused sold a hairdresser, Risi Adegbite, 30, into sex slavery in Libya under the guise of assisting her to seek “greener pastures.”
ASP Akinlabi Adegoke told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences sometime in August.
He said the accused, who was a regular caller at the complainant’s saloon at Fadeyi Bus Stop, had promised to secure employment for her in Libya.
“When the complainant arrived in Libya on September 2, she realised that she had been defrauded and sold into sex slavery.
“She promptly contacted her family to intimate them of her predicament.
“The accused, however, claimed ignorance of the development,’’ the prosecutor said.
Adegoke noted that the offences contravened Sections 274 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Adefioye, however, entered a plea of not guilty.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi, admitted the accused to a bail of N200 000 in addition to two sureties in like sum.
NAN also reports that the accused, if found guilty, may be sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.
The case was adjourned to October 16 for further hearing.