by ‘Jola Sotubo

A teenage girl in Akwa Ibom, as well as 5 other suspects have been arrest after they were accused of participating in human trafficking.

16-year-old Happiness Emmanuel Ede along with Ruth Peter Edet, Juliet Emmanuel Edeteyo, Ekemini Okon Etim, Beauty Peter Edet and Uduak Bassey James were charged with conspiracy, trafficking in persons and prostitution.

The suspects are facing trial before a Magistrate court in the Uyo area of the state.

Leadership reports:

The offence, according to the prosecuting police officer, ASP Friday Cornelius, was committed on April  10, 2014 at Mbak  Etoi  in Uyo magisterial district.

ASP Friday alleged that the accused entered into a contract to deal in sales of children contrary to Section 24 (a) and punishable under Section 24 (e) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act of Nigeria 2003.

The prosecution also allege that all the accused equally offered themselves for prostitution on the stated date and place, an offence he said was punishable under the law of Akwa Ibom.