NAPTIP Secures Conviction of Three Human Traffickers in Bayelsa, Rescues Two Victims
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – The Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction of three persons for human trafficking offences, following the successful prosecution of a case involving the attempted trafficking of two victims for sexual exploitation.
The three convicts, identified as Tonkumor Ebipadere, 21; God Knows Samuel, 27; and God Knows Winner, 19, were sentenced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Doris O. Adokeme of High Court 3, Bayelsa State.
The development represents another significant achievement for NAPTIP’s Bayelsa State Command in its efforts to combat human trafficking, dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable persons from exploitation.
The defendants, who were arraigned on October 28, 2026, pleaded guilty to three charges bordering on conspiracy, recruitment and transportation of persons, and attempted trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The offences contravened Sections 27, 13(2)(b) and (c), and 29 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
Following their guilty pleas, the court sentenced each defendant to two years’ imprisonment on the three counts, with an option of a N650,000 fine each.
The court further ordered that the convicts remain in the correctional facility until their respective fines are paid.
In a major aspect of the operation, NAPTIP successfully rescued the two victims involved in the case, who have since been reunited with their families.
The case, registered as BYHC/YEN/CR/56/2026, underscores the importance of sustained intelligence gathering, victim rescue, investigation and effective prosecution in the fight against human trafficking.
The conviction also reinforces the role of NAPTIP in enforcing the provisions of the anti-trafficking law and ensuring that perpetrators are brought before the courts.
With the successful prosecution and reunification of the rescued victims with their families, NAPTIP’s Bayelsa State Command has recorded another step forward in its mandate to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable women and young people, from the dangers of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
