FIDA petition Bayelsa Police Commissioner over two teenagers trafficked for prostitution
Kuwekuzi Aigbe
The Bayelsa State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has filed a petition to the State Commissioner of Police over the alleged trafficking of two girls for prostitution.
The petition signed by the Chairperson of FIDA, Debra Pamosoo, alleged that two girls (names withheld) aged 17 and 18 years were transported from Ibiono-Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom to Elele, Emohua Local Government Area under the guise that they were being recruited for a sales job but ostensibly for prostitution.
According to the petition, a lady identified as Ekaette Archibong who received and took them to Elele upon the refusal of the girls to work as prostitutes, took them to Emeya in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to work as sales girls at a bar owned by a certain Dorathy David.
Pamosoo in the petition stated that David, however, refused to take the girl aged 17 because she was underaged prompting Archbong to insist that she would return her to the brothel.
However, the older one insisted that she would not allow the younger girl to be taken to the brothel, maintaining that they were told they were coming to be sales girls and not prostitution.
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“That Archibong insisted that the victims should refund her N16,500 she spent for their transportation from Akwa Ibom to Bayelsa if they refuse to obey her. The second accused person also supported that they should refund N4,000 for their transportation and accommodation. The accused persons seized the victims’ phones. But they manage to escape with a Keke driver who they told their story and helped in bringing them to Ekeki Park,” the petition stated.
Pamosso who confirmed that the case is already incidental before the Officer in Charge (O/C) of Gender, Ekeki Police Division of the State Police Command, says FIDA is interested in the case.
“FIDA is indicating interest in this matter. We are by this petition appealing that the defendants be arrested and legal action taken against them for the offences committed,” she said.
Investigations revealed that the two suspects, Archibong and David are in Police custody, and investigations have since commenced.
Indications have also emerged that with the seriousness FIDA has demonstrated, speedy investigations are expected for the matter to be charged to court to serve as deterrence for the human trafficking syndicate in the state.
