ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State chapter, has petitioned the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police over alleged trafficking of two girls for prostitution.
The petition, signed by the Chairperson of FIDA, Deme Debra Pamosoo, was dated January 14, 2022.
The petition alleged that two girls (names withheld), aged 17 and 18, were brought from Ibiono-Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to Elele, Emohua LGA of Rivers State, under the guise that they were being recruited for sales job but unknown to them that they were in for prostitution.
The petition said a lady, Ekaette Archibong, who received and took them to Elele upon the refusal of the girls to work as prostitutes, later took them to Emeyal 2 in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State to work as sales girls at a bar owned by one Dorathy David.
Pamosoo, in the petition, stated that David, however, refused to take the 17-year-old girl because she was under-age, prompting Archbiong to insist that she would return her to the brothel in Elele.
However, the older one was said to have insisted that she would not allow the younger girl to be taken to the brothel, maintaining that they were told they were coming to be sales girls and not prostitutes.
The petition stated: “Achibong insisted that the victims should refund her N16,500 she spent on their transportation from Akwa Ibom to Bayelsa if they refused to obey her.
“David on the other hand supported Achibong that they (victims) should refund her N4, 000 each for their transportation and accommodation costs.
“The suspects seized the victims’ phones. But they (victims) managed to escape with a tricycle driver whom they told their story and helped in bringing them to Ekeki Park in Yenagoa.”
Pamosso, who confirmed that the case was already incidented at the O/C Gender Unit, Ekeki Police Division of the Bayelsa State Police Command, said FIDA was interested in the case.
“FIDA is indicating interest in this matter. We are by this petition appealing that the defendants be arrested and legal action taken against them for the offences committed,” she said.
Investigations revealed that the two suspects, Archibong and David had already been arrested and are currently held in police custody.
Indications also emerged that with the seriousness FIDA had demonstrated, speedy investigations were expected for the matter to be charged to court to serve as deterrence to the human trafficking ring in Bayelsa State.