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LAGOS, Nigeria - Two women accused of facilitating child trafficking and modern slavery have been detained by a Magistrates’ Court in Badagry, Lagos.
The suspects, 24-year-old Loveth Christian and 17-year-old Damilola Basiru, were ordered to be held at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after appearing before Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya.
They are facing a two-count charge related to the trafficking and exploitation of minors, having allegedly violated the Lagos State Criminal Law.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Inspector Ayodele Adeosun informed the court that the defendants unlawfully trafficked two teenage girls, aged 15 and 18, on April 26 in the Ajara Agamathen area of Badagry, with the intention of sending them to Ghana for sale into slavery.
Adeosun stated that their actions contravene Sections 276 and 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, which pertain to trafficking and conspiracy offences.
After the charges were presented, both suspects acknowledged their guilt and requested leniency, asking the court to take their personal circumstances into account before sentencing.
However, Magistrate Adekomaiya rejected their request and mandated their detention at Kirikiri while awaiting guidance from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The court has scheduled the case for further proceedings on June 30.
