In a significant victory for justice and the fight against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully secured the conviction of Felicia Osaigbovo, widely known as “Mama Masha,” a notorious high-profile trafficker and socialite in Benin City.
Hon. Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo of the High Court, Criminal Division, Benin City, handed down a 12-year prison sentence and imposed a fine of N24 million on Mama Masha for her involvement in human trafficking.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by NAPTIP’s spokesperson, Vincent Adekoye, Mama Masha, a 62-year-old woman, was a key member of a human trafficking syndicate responsible for the recruitment and trafficking of 12 Nigerian girls to Belgium for sexual exploitation.
Remarkably, 12 of Mama Masha’s collaborators, including three of her children, have already faced convictions in Belgium.
The legal proceedings against Mama Masha began on July 1, 2021, with a 24-count charge, which included allegations of assisting individuals engaged in human trafficking and organizing foreign travel that facilitated prostitution, in violation of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) of 2015.
Mama Masha entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution presented a compelling case with three witnesses, including a Belgian Chief Inspector of Police, and submitted 13 exhibits as evidence.
Following a thorough and rigorous trial, Hon. Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo found Mama Masha guilty on all 24 counts, resulting in a sentence of 12 years behind bars and a fine of N24 million.
Reacting to the court’s judgment, Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi, PhD, expressed her profound appreciation for the judiciary’s verdict, emphasizing its appropriateness and significance.
She commended the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the Belgium Police Authorities, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the UK National Crime Agency under the Joint Border Task Force Initiative, and UNODC, in ensuring justice for the victims of human trafficking.
Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi also reiterated NAPTIP’s unwavering commitment to vigorously pursue high-profile traffickers. She stated, “NAPTIP shall continue working tirelessly to ensure a safer and better society.”
This conviction sends a strong message that those involved in the heinous crime of human trafficking will face severe consequences, reinforcing NAPTIP’s dedication to eradicating this grave issue and ensuring justice for the victims.
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