Human trafficking: Ignorance of the law not a defense, Kwara govt warns perpetrators

The Kwara State Government, through State Taskforce on Human Trafficking has sent strong warnings to perpetrators of human trafficking, sensitizing the public on the illicit conduct, with the aim of curbing the menace within and outside the State.

The Force also warned the general public to be law abiding.

In a statement by Adesikeola Ajiboye, Press Secretary, Ministry of Justice, on Tuesday, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, who doubles as the Chairman of the Taskforce, noted that ignorance of the law is not a defense.

According to the statement, “This is followed by the exploitation phase, during which the victim is forced into sexual or labour servitude and other forms of exploitations.”

“Senior Sulyman charges the public to however be on the alert, adding that “anyone who witnesses or suspects human trafficking, or is personally being trafficked, to call the toll-free, multilingual, 24-hour National Human Trafficking Resource Center & Hotline 627. Members of the public can also visit Kwara State Ministry of Justice, Room 151, to get help for victims and survivors of human trafficking, or connect with local services, which is available 24/7.

“Trafficking in persons should be understood as a process rather than as a single offence. During the trafficking process, the offenders usually perpetrate a number of different offences. There may be linkages between trafficking operations and other criminal offences such as the smuggling of weapons or drugs. Offences are also committed in furtherance or protection of the human trafficking operators. Other crimes, such as money laundering and tax evasion, are secondary, but essential to protect the illicit proceeds of trafficking activities,” the statement noted.

“Offences are committed at various stages of trafficking in persons process, such as: recruitment, transportation and entry, exploitation. Others include: document forgery, unlawful coercion, money laundering, fraudulent promises, immigration law abuse, threats, tax evasion, kidnapping, corruption of officials, extortion, false consent of the parent or guardian of a child, damage to property, false imprisonment, intimidation or subversion of officials, recruitment to which the victim lacks capacity to consent, withholding of documents, procurement, theft of documents, sexual assault, aggravated assault, rape, death,forced abortion, torture, among others.

The statement further notes; “In trafficking offences, other crimes may be committed to force compliance of the victims, maintain control, protect trafficking operations or maximize profits. Victims may be subjected to threats, physical and sexual violence or other mistreatment. Their passports and other vital documents may be taken from them. They may be forced to work without payment, often in occupations that are unpleasant, difficult, dangerous or illegal in the State where they are carried out. For example, prostitution, pornography and trafficking in illicit commodities, such as narcotic drugs. Apart from offences committed against victims, former victims who assist the authorities may be threatened with or subjected to retaliatory violence and public officials may be the subjects of corruption, subjected to threats or both.

“Prosecution of individuals for additional or overlapping offences may also be useful in demonstrating to the courts the serious nature of a particular trafficking operation,” he added.

“Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 ( TIPPEA Act) will be fully examined in the next publication,” the statement said.