In a move to strengthen inter-agency collaboration against human trafficking, the Ekiti State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Oladimeji Samson, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, at his office in Ado-Ekiti.
While addressing the Chief Judge, Mr. Oladimeji expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded his delegation. He outlined NAPTIP’s core operational mandates, which he said rest on five pillars, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Partnership, and Policy.
He also spoke candidly about the challenges confronting the agency in Ekiti, noting that these obstacles have at times impeded the smooth discharge of its duties.
According to the Commander, cases of human trafficking in Ekiti State were relatively low until recently. He disclosed that intelligence reports have identified a particular senatorial district in the state as a safe haven for traffickers.
Citing recent incidents, he revealed that three victims trafficked to Libya through the desert route were tragically burnt beyond recognition, while over 300 Ekiti indigenes were lured to Burkinafaso under the pretense of securing better livelihoods, only to be abandoned and stranded.
Mr. Oladimeji explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally seek the partnership of the Ekiti State Judiciary, especially in the areas of detaining and prosecuting trafficking offenders. He referenced Sections 36 and 82 of the NAPTIP Act, which vest both federal and state High Courts with jurisdiction to try offenders.
With NAPTIP now operating as a full command in Ekiti, he said, it has become imperative to prosecute cases directly in the High Courts of Ekiti State rather than relying solely on federal courts.
The Commander further appealed to the Chief Judge for judicial support in the issuance of warrants of investigation. Such warrants, he argued, would empower NAPTIP operatives to conduct deeper, independent investigations without having to depend on police protection for every step. He added that the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice currently serves as Chairman of the Agency’s Taskforce in the state, and that NAPTIP has been working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure effective prosecution of offenders, he concluded.
In his response, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, described the visit as worthwhile and timely. He affirmed the Judiciary’s readiness to collaborate, cooperate, and support NAPTIP’s operations in Ekiti, stressing that the maintenance of peace and the protection of residents remain non-negotiable priorities for the state.
Justice Ogunmoye noted that the NAPTIP Establishment Act expressly confers jurisdictional powers on State High Courts, including Ekiti, to handle trafficking cases.
On the matters raised, the Chief Judge assured the agency that they would be properly reviewed and approved where necessary.
He, however, charged NAPTIP to intensify public enlightenment and awareness campaigns across the state, so that citizens are better informed about the agency’s mandate and the dangers of human trafficking.
The NAPTIP delegation to the Chief Judge’s office included Mr. Akeju Oluwafemi, Head of Public Enlightenment, Mr. Ayeni Oluwafemi, Head of Research and Programme Development, Mr. Popoola Ayodeji, Head of Administration, Mrs. Oguntola Omolabake, Head of Public Relations, Mrs. Adetuberu Ifeoluwa, Head of Counseling and Rehabilitation, and Mr. Olatomiwa Daramola among others.
