Delta Equips Prosecutors, Legal Officers On Human Trafficking

The Delta State Ministry of Justice has equipped prosecutors and legal personnel with the knowledge and skills to effectively address the legal, social and human-rights dimensions of human trafficking.

They participated at a two-day capacity-building training, organised by the ministry’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, themed “Understanding Human Trafficking: Scope, Drivers, Institutional and Victim-Centred Legal Response.” organised for its legal officers.

It was designed to strengthen institutional responses and promote a victim-centered approach to prosecution.

Declaring open the programme in Asaba, the attorney-general and commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), reiterated the state government’s commitment to combating human trafficking through strengthened legal frameworks, effective prosecution, and enhanced victim protection.

In his opening remarks, the Attorney-General, emphasized the pivotal role of prosecutors in the fight against trafficking, noting that a comprehensive understanding of the crime’s scope and drivers is essential for prevention, prosecution and victim support.

Represented by the solicitor-general and permanent secretary, Omamuzo Erebe (SAN), he further stated that diligent investigation and consistent prosecution would serve as a deterrent to offenders and reinforce public confidence in the justice system.

‎Ohwovoriole explained that the Ministry prioritised the training at the start of the year in recognition of the severity of trafficking and related offences, describing capacity building as an ongoing requirement for improving prosecutorial efficiency, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained in the discharge of their duties.

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‎The training began with sessions for legal officers at the Ministry’s headquarters in Asaba, focusing on inter-agency collaboration and coordinated institutional response. It concluded in Warri with officers from the Ministry’s zonal offices, where interactive sessions centred on victim-centred legal responses, trauma-informed prosecution, and the protection of survivors’ rights within the justice system.

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‎Delivering a lecture titled “Understanding Human Trafficking,” Mrs. Nwanze Ijeoma, Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and Secretary of the Delta State Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, examined the scope, drivers, indicators and emerging trends of the crime. She stressed that a deep understanding of these factors is crucial for prosecutors to provide adequate support to victims and secure successful convictions.

‎Mr. Stephen Selowo, Assistant Director, Intelligence, Counselling and Rehabilitation at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Benin, addressed mental health and psychosocial support for trafficking survivors in Delta State.

‎Mr. Raphael Anuhwin, Deputy Director, Department of Public Prosecutions, led a session on prosecution dynamics and provided an overview of the Delta State Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2024, highlighting key provisions relevant to prosecution.

‎Paulette Popo, Head of the Hon. Attorney-General’s Chambers, delivered a presentation on victim-centred prosecution, protection and assistance, emphasising that victims must be treated as central stakeholders throughout the justice process.

‎Participants described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it improved their understanding of human trafficking and strengthened their capacity to handle related cases across the state.