Human Trafficking: EKiti NAPTIP Seeks Partnership With Judiciary

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) office in EKiti State, has sought the partnership of the state judiciary, especially in the areas of detaining and prosecuting trafficking offenders.

The NAPTIP commander in the state, Mr. Samson Oladimeji, who stated this lamented that over 300 Ekiti indigenes were lured to Burkinafaso under the pretense of securing better livelihoods, only to be abandoned and stranded.

He spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, at his office in Ado-Ekiti being part of the moves to strengthen inter-agency collaboration against human trafficking.

Oladimeji, also revealed that three victims trafficked to Libya through the desert route were tragically burnt beyond recognition.

Oladimeji outlined NAPTIP’s core operational mandates, which he said rest on five pillars, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Partnership, and Policy.

The commander who noted that the agency is faced with quite a number of challenges in Ekiti, said such most times impede the smooth discharge of its duties.

Oladimeji, who explained that human trafficking in Ekiti State was relatively low until recently disclosed that intelligence reports have identified a particular senatorial district in the state as a safe haven for traffickers.

He referenced Sections 36 and 82 of the NAPTIP Act, which vest both federal and state High Courts with jurisdiction to try offenders.

The NAPTIP boss explained that with NAPTIP now operating as a full command in Ekiti, it has become imperative to prosecute cases directly in the High Courts of Ekiti State rather than relying solely on federal courts.

The commander further appealed to the Chief Judge for judicial support in the issuance of warrants of investigation. Such warrants, he argued, would empower NAPTIP operatives to conduct deeper, independent investigations without having to depend on police protection for every step.

He added that the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice currently serves as chairman of the agency’s taskforce in the state, and that NAPTIP has been working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure effective prosecution of offenders, he concluded.

Responding, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, who described the visit as worthwhile and timely, affirmed the Judiciary’s readiness to collaborate, cooperate, and support NAPTIP’s operations in Ekiti

While stressing that the maintenance of peace and the protection of residents remain non-negotiable priorities for the state, Justice Ogunmoye noted that the NAPTIP Establishment Act expressly confers jurisdictional powers on State High Courts, including Ekiti, to handle trafficking cases.

The chief judge assured the agency that the provisions would be properly reviewed and approved where necessary.

He, however, charged NAPTIP to intensify public enlightenment and awareness campaigns across the state, so that citizens are better informed about the agency’s mandate and the dangers of human trafficking.