A Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has sentenced 29-year-old Eniola Boluwatife Adedeji to 45 years in prison for trafficking a minor to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sexual exploitation. The convict was found guilty on nine of the ten charges brought against her by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). She received a five-year sentence for each count, with all terms to run concurrently.
Details of the Conviction
The Ogun State Commander of NAPTIP, Bose Jimoh, announced the conviction in a statement released yesterday. She confirmed that the judgment was delivered by Justice A.J. Adeyemi of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta. According to Jimoh, police officers arrested Adedeji in Adigbe, Abeokuta, on August 18, 2024. Subsequent investigations uncovered her involvement in the cross-border trafficking of a minor, leading to her arraignment and formal prosecution on September 24, 2024.
Trial and Verdict
The trial began on March 12, 2025, and spanned several months before the court delivered its verdict on June 5, 2026. The defendant was convicted on counts one through eight and count ten, but was discharged and acquitted on count nine. The offenses violated various provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act of 2015, which imposes severe penalties for recruiting, transporting, or exploiting individuals for sexual or labor exploitation.
Victim Protection and Agency Response
NAPTIP disclosed that the victim, whose identity has been withheld for her protection, was trafficked to Cotonou in the Republic of Benin for sexual exploitation. The agency described the conviction as a strong deterrent to human traffickers operating within and outside Nigeria. Jimoh commended the judiciary for its commitment to justice and praised the diligent efforts of the prosecutors and investigators who handled the case. She also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving minors to law enforcement agencies.
Recent Convictions in Ogun State
This ruling adds to a series of recent convictions secured by NAPTIP in Ogun State, including a 12-year prison sentence handed to 27-year-old Chukwuemeka Iheamama for trafficking two minors. The agency reiterated its resolve to prosecute offenders and protect vulnerable Nigerians from modern-day slavery.
