Woman Remanded For Alleged Trafficking Of Compatriot From Nigeria

Magistrate FJ Camara of the Kanifing magistrates’ court has remanded a Nigerian woman, Oyeye Fejiro Treasure, at Mile 2, for allegedly trafficking her fellow Nigerian into The Gambia and exploiting her into prostitution.

The accused faces a single count of prohibition of trafficking, contrary to the Trafficking in Persons Act.

Police Prosecutor Cadet Inspector Bangura alleged before the court that the accused person unlawfully engaged in the trafficking of one Tega Precious, alias Divine, also a Nigerian national, into The Gambia, and subsequently exploited her into prostitution.

When the case was called, the accused, who was unrepresented by a lawyer, did not take her plea.

The police applied for the case to be transferred to the High Court of The Gambia on the grounds that the lower court, being a magistrates’ court, lacks the jurisdiction to hear and determine trafficking cases, which are considered serious felonies under Gambian law. The application for transfer was granted by the court and the magistrate ordered for the accused to be remanded pending the trial.