A High Court sitting in Maiduguri has sentenced a 33-year-old woman, Salamatu Saidu, to five years’ imprisonment for her involvement in human trafficking.
The presiding judge, Justice Bukar M. Umar, found the defendant guilty of “fraudulent entry of persons,” an offence that violates provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
The case, which involved two victims aged 21 and 33, was brought before the court on April 20, 2026. According to details released by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the accused was convicted on the same day after evidence established her role in facilitating the illegal movement of individuals through deceptive means.
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Investigations revealed that Saidu lured the victims with promises of better economic opportunities outside their location. She subsequently arranged their movement and handled logistics for their travel, using false representations to bypass legal procedures.
Authorities said her actions were aimed at exploiting the victims, a key element that constituted the trafficking offence.
NAPTIP explained that fraudulent entry includes organizing, aiding, or facilitating the unlawful movement of persons into or out of the country through deception or other illegal means.
Following her conviction, the court handed Saidu a five-year jail term.
Reacting to the judgment, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking across Nigeria and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
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