By Rhoda Godwin
The Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called for the establishment of a specialized court to handle human trafficking cases in the state.
The appeal was made on Monday when the Bayelsa State Commander of NAPTIP paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayenieye, as part of her familiarization tour following her assumption of office.
During the visit, the Commander highlighted NAPTIP’s mandate and ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and violence against persons across Nigeria. She stressed the need for a specialized court dedicated to human trafficking matters, noting that prolonged delays in the judicial process often discourage victims, who serve as key witnesses in such cases.
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According to the Commander, delays in court proceedings can lead to victims losing interest in pursuing cases, thereby affecting the successful prosecution and conviction of traffickers.
Responding, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayenieye, expressed appreciation to the Commander and her team for the visit. She commended NAPTIP’s efforts in protecting vulnerable persons and combating human trafficking in the state.
Justice Ayenieye assured the delegation that the judiciary would carefully consider the request for a specialized court and continue to support initiatives aimed at achieving the agency’s mandate in Bayelsa State.
“I will look into your request, and the judiciary will do its best to ensure that the agency’s mandate in the state is achieved,” she stated.
The visit also featured the presentation of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to the Chief Judge and the symbolic issuance of red cards to human traffickers, a campaign aimed at reinforcing public rejection of human trafficking and related crimes.
The courtesy visit underscores the growing collaboration between NAPTIP and the judiciary in strengthening the fight against human trafficking and ensuring justice for victims in Bayelsa State.
