From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested one Uadiale Christiana Jacob, popularly known as Christy Gold, an alleged leader of a human trafficking syndicate with operational base at Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP Press Officer, in a statement, on Friday, said that Christy Gold has been on the wanted list of NAPTIP for the past five years.
He said Christy Gold was arrested and handed over to NAPTIP by the officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on duty at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on 31st December 2024, on arrival from Dubai for New Year celebration.
Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, lauded the efforts of NIS officials for apprehending the fleeing human trafficking convict, saying that it was a commendable demonstration of inter-agency collaboration.
“On 18th March, 2020, NIS, Ikeja Airport Command, had shared intelligence with NAPTIP Joint Border Task Force/Benin Satellite Office (JBTF/BSO) in respect of one Christy Gold of No 15 Osagie Street, Off 2nd Power Line, Egbon Estate, Benin City, Edo State, who is a senior member of an organised human trafficking syndicate notorious for the recruitment, trafficking and sexually exploiting of underage Nigerian girls in Dubai.
“Following the Agency’s investigation into the alleged offense to establish culpability, Christy Gold was arrested by NAPTIP officials in Ikpoba Hill area, Benin City on the 13th of October, 2020 for her involvement in the trafficking of aged Nigerian girls to Dubai, for forced prostitution.
“She was charged to the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State, on the 25th November, 2020, where she was granted bail. While on court bail, Christy Gold violated the terms of the bail and absconded to Dubai. After failing severally to appear before the court, a bench warrant was therefore issued by the sitting judge on the 3rd of November 2021 for her arrest.
“Even while she tried to evade justice, NAPTIP did not relent and as a result of diligent prosecution of the case, Christy Gold was convicted for human trafficking in absentia by Justice F . A Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State, on the 21st of March, 2024 with sentencing being awaited whenever she is rearrested and brought before the Honourable Court.”