NAPTIP arrests 4 suspects over rape, human trafficking
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) yesterday paraded four suspects arrested in connection with rape and human trafficking. The suspects are Philip Olatunbosun, 43; Eberechukwu Osuji, 27; Innocent Etim, 31; Abiona David, 37; and Asia Rita, 33. The Director General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, represented by the Director, Investigation and […]
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) yesterday paraded four suspects arrested in connection with rape and human trafficking.
The suspects are Philip Olatunbosun, 43; Eberechukwu Osuji, 27; Innocent Etim, 31; Abiona David, 37; and Asia Rita, 33.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, represented by the Director, Investigation and Monitoring, Josiah Emerole, at a press briefing, yesterday, said three of the cases involving Olatunbosun from Ondo State, Eberechukwu from Imo State and Etim from Akwa-Ibom State have to do with rape and violation of minors while Abiona, who presented himself as a man with various personalities and Asia were attempt to traffic or smuggle other Nigerians out of the country using fraudulent means contrary to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
Four of the suspects are residents of the Federal Capital Territory while the only female suspect, Asia resides in Katsina State.
Eberechukwu was alleged to have lured a 17-year-old girl (names withheld) to his house between August 2 and 4, 2018, drugged and sexually violated her.
“During her incarceration, the parents of the victim searched for and found in the house of the suspect. The matter was reported to the agency and the suspect was arrested. He has confessed to the offence of rape,” Emerole said.
Olatunbosun, who resides in Bwari area of the FCT, was also alleged to have sexually abused his 17-year-old house help by sneaking into her room every night. He was alleged to have warned the victim not to utter a word about his escapade to anyone as there would be consequences.
For Etim, who resides in Sauka, Airport road, Abuja, he was alleged to have raped a 13-year-old girl (names withheld) whose mother provides cooking assistance to him whenever he had catering contracts.
“On February, 13, 2018, the victim had gone to the residence of the suspect to collect a cake which the suspect promised her for her birthday. Despite her mother’s call for the girl to return home, the suspect engaged her in delay tactics until it was late and subsequently told the girl that he could not allow her to take the risk of going back home late,” Emerole said.
He allegedly raped her severally that night and covered her mouth whenever she wanted to shout for help.
“He subsequently warned her to keep quiet over the abuse and threatened not to give her mother any job if she told anyone. The rape reportedly resulted into pregnancy.
Abiona on his part allegedly tried to traffic 12 persons to Finland under the guise of embarking on a study tour of health facilities. He was said to have claimed to be a director, finance and accounts of the hospital board.
“He and four victims were apprehended by operatives of the agency while at the Embassy of Finland trying to procure visas.”
Asia, on her part, was alleged to be trafficking seven persons to Libya when she was intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Katsina and transferred to their headquarters.
All the suspects when presented to the press said they were not guilty of the offences alleged.
NAPTIP stated that investigations were still ongoing. It called on parents, especially mothers, to be watchful over their children and report promptly whenever they noticed any strange occurrence.