A High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, and presided over by Justice Peace Otti, has sentenced a 44-year-old woman, Goodness Daniel, to five years in prison for engaging in human trafficking, with an option of paying a ₦2 million fine.
The woman, Goodness Daniel, faced charges for her involvement in the illegal trade of human beings, which goes against Section 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. She was prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Anambra State Command.
According to court records made available to the press on Thursday, the ruling came on June 27, 2025, at the Awka Judicial Division of the state high court. Justice Otti found the accused guilty based on the evidence presented during the hearing.
“Otti found the defendant guilty of trafficking in persons, particularly the buying and selling of human beings, as defined under Section 21 of the relevant Act.
“The court sentenced Daniel to five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦2,000,000 (two million naira) fine.
“In addition to the jail term, the court ordered her to pay ₦2,600,000 (two million, six hundred thousand naira) in restitution to the victim, who also served as a prosecution witness during the trial.
“Daniel was initially arraigned on July 9, 2024, on charges related to human trafficking.”
The victim, whose identity was protected, played an important role in the case by giving key testimony. Her statement during the trial helped bring the case to a conclusion, according to court insiders.
The conviction was welcomed by NAPTIP, which noted that it marked a strong step forward in the agency’s ongoing fight to end human trafficking in Nigeria.
In a statement, the agency described the ruling as a “significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat trafficking and uphold the rights and dignity of victims across the country.”
The ruling also includes a financial penalty meant to compensate the victim for the trauma and suffering caused.
