- NiDCOM Applauds Ghana Court for Jailing Nigerian Human Trafficker to 10 Years
- The girls were safely repatriated to Nigeria through the efforts of NiDCOM and the Imo State Government
- “Nigerian citizens, wherever they are in the world, must not be treated as less than human. Their dignity and rights must be protected,” Dabiri-Erewa stated
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has praised a Ghanaian court for sentencing Nigerian national, Chukwudi Nwachukwu, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for leading a human trafficking syndicate that exploited teenage girls from Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the conviction by the Achimota Circuit Court followed a months-long investigation involving Ghanaian security agencies and Nigerian authorities, after 10 teenage girls aged between 15 and 18 were rescued earlier this year from a trafficking ring operating in Ghana.
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The joint operation was coordinated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana Chapter, led by Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and local law enforcement agencies. Following their rescue, the girls were safely repatriated to Nigeria through the efforts of NiDCOM and the Imo State Government, led by Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
In a statement released by NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, the Commission’s Chairperson, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the verdict as “a victory for justice and a strong warning to traffickers across Africa.”
“Justice has been served at last. This verdict is a clear message that human trafficking will not go unpunished, no matter how long it takes,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
The court also ordered Nwachukwu to pay GH₵15,000 in restitution to each of the ten victims. Investigations revealed that the traffickers had lured the girls to Ghana with false promises of employment, only to force them into exploitative conditions.
The rescued victims were later handed over to Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration before being reunited with their families.
Dabiri-Erewa urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and cautious about suspicious offers involving their children, noting that community awareness plays a vital role in curbing trafficking.
“We must continue to protect our children from predators who exploit their innocence and desperation. The traffickers may run, but they will always be brought to justice,” she added.
Meanwhile, NiDCOM also recently condemned disturbing reports from India alleging abuse and exploitation of Nigerian women in deportation camps. The Commission described the situation as “inhumane and unacceptable,” urging the Government of India to launch an immediate investigation.
“Nigerian citizens, wherever they are in the world, must not be treated as less than human. Their dignity and rights must be protected,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
NiDCOM confirmed that it is working with the Nigerian High Commission in India, Indian authorities, and international human rights organisations to verify the claims and ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to defending Nigerians in the diaspora, ensuring justice for victims, and strengthening international partnerships to combat trafficking and exploitation.
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