The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed the return of 10 Nigerian teenage girls who were allegedly trafficked to Ghana for prostitution. The girls, who are mainly from Imo State, arrived in Lagos on Friday, June 15, 2024 after being rescued.
NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa announced the news via her X handle, stating, “The girls, rescued in Ghana, have safely returned to Nigeria and are now in Lagos.” They were accompanied by representatives of the Imo State government and received by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for profiling and further support.
The girls, all under the age of 18, were reportedly lured to Ghana by a man who has since been apprehended by Ghanaian police. Their rescue was facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), an umbrella group for Nigerians in Ghana.
In a viral video shared by NIDO, an official is heard saying, “We just rescued all these ones from one single person, innocent Nigerian children that were brought here to do what they wouldn’t have wished to do. They are helpless. They picked them and sent them to do prostitution and were collecting money from these innocent children.”
Dabiri-Erewa had previously called on NAPTIP to take charge of the case, describing the situation as “heartbreaking” and praising Chief Callistus, Chairman of NIDO Ghana, for ensuring the arrest of the trafficker. “These are young girls trafficked to Ghana for prostitution. We thank Chief Callistus for his crucial role in the rescue,” she said.
NAPTIP is expected to provide the necessary support and follow up on the matter to ensure justice for the victims.
