A 55-year-old man, Etteokon Ntuen, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, for harbouring and sexually exploiting a 15-year-old girl he deceitfully obtained under the pretext of offering her better educational opportunities in Lagos.
Justice L. I. Ojukwu delivered the judgment after Ntuen was prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which proved that the convict misled the victim’s parents by claiming he would enrol her in a better school environment.
Instead of taking her to Lagos as promised, he allegedly kept the minor in Calabar where he exploited her sexually.
The court found him guilty under provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and handed down a one-year custodial sentence.
In addition to the jail term, the court ordered Ntuen to pay ₦300,000 as compensation to the victim and also issue a written apology to her and her family.
NAPTIP welcomed the judgment, describing it as a strong warning to individuals involved in child trafficking and sexual exploitation under false pretences such as education or job opportunities.
The agency further stated that the victim has been rescued and is currently receiving rehabilitation and support services.
Human trafficking remains a major challenge in Nigeria, with women and children, especially girls, being the most affected. Victims are often lured through deception involving promises of schooling, employment, or improved living conditions.
Reports indicate that both internal trafficking within the country and cross-border exploitation continue to persist, driven by poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
Authorities in Cross River State have recently intensified efforts against trafficking, recording several prosecutions involving similar crimes against minors.
