Woman Remanded in Umuahia Correctional Center for Alleged Exploitation of Girls and Child Trafficking

A 56-year-old woman, Nma Lilian Achumba, has been held in custody at the Nigeria Correctional Center in Afara, Umuahia, following charges brought against her in a Umuahia Magistrate Court. She is accused of recruiting and abducting 21 young girls for the purposes of sexual exploitation and child trafficking....CONTINUE READING

The allegations against the defendant involve the recruitment and abduction of young girls for sexual exploitation in Umunkpeyi Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, and Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA of the State in June 2023.

The accused, who formerly operated the Nma Charity and Rehabilitation Center in Abia State, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After her plea, the presiding Magistrate, Ngozi Lekwa, stated that the offense is punishable under Section 13, Subsection 1, 2, and C of the Trafficking in Persons Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, as well as Section 86 of the Criminal Code, which applies in Abia State. Nevertheless, the Magistrate Court determined that it lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the case.

As a result, the court ordered the transfer of the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution at the Abia State Ministry of Justice in Umuahia. The case is scheduled to be heard again on November 7, 2023, for a report of compliance, while the accused, Nma Achumba, remains in the Umuahia Correctional Center.

The Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, emphasized the state’s commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in illicit and illegal activities that tarnish the reputation of the state. He noted that reports of such issues have surfaced in various parts of Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North, and Umuahia North local government areas in Abia. Uwanna underscored the need for strict enforcement of the law and advised the public against engaging in unlawful activities.