Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the judgment of Justice Mohammed Liman of a Federal High Court in Benin, who, on Tuesday, sentenced Mrs Christy Ehiorobo, 49, to nine years imprisonment for engaging in human trafficking.
Obaseki said the judgment is a triumph of good over evil and assured that other traffickers will have their days in court soon.
The governor said: “I commend the courage of the High Court judge for serving Ehiorobo, a nine-year jail term for engaging in human trafficking.
“The judgment has given further bite to our resolve to rid Edo State of human traffickers who are exploiting our youths.
“With the support we are receiving from critical stakeholders, such as the judiciary, the palace of the Benin monarch and the legislature, in the fight against human trafficking, I am convinced we will win the fight,” he said.
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In the same vein, Obaseki said the decision of the Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, to dedicate two specialised courts to hear human trafficking cases has his backing.
“I’ve thrown my weight behind the decision of Justice Ikponmwen to designate two courts to hear human trafficking offences in order to give accelerated hearing to such cases. The decision of the chief judge is innovative as it will fast-track the dispensation of justice in human trafficking and related cases,” he said.
Justice Liman, in his judgment, said trafficking had eaten deep into the fabrics of the society, adding that despite the plea of mercy by the convict, the law must take its cause.
The convict, also known as Helen Ehirobo and Mama Jennifer, hails from Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo, State and had been standing trial since 2011.