More than 40 suspected sex workers were brought before a mobile court on Wednesday, November 19, by the Edo State Migration Agency in Benin City.
Before the arraignment, the agency’s Director, Hon. Chief Lucky Agazuma, paraded the suspects and explained that the operation was conducted in collaboration with several enforcement bodies, including the Environmental Sanitation and Pollution Management Authorities. The crackdown, he said, is part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and reduce commercial sex activities in the state.
According to an official of the mobile court, the women faced charges ranging from public indecency and involvement in commercial sex work to defacing the city—reportedly by stepping on flowers along major roads while trying to flee arrest.
Some of the suspects denied the allegations. One claimed she was simply returning from a birthday party when the vehicle she was in was stopped. Another said she had been brought to the area by an unknown individual before being apprehended.
Evidence presented in court suggested that several of the women were not from Edo State and had been introduced to the trade by unidentified persons. Items recovered during the raid included sex-enhancement drugs, lubricants, and marijuana.
Court officials reported that many of the suspects were convicted and fined, while others received community service as part of their sentencing.
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