South African Court Upholds Conviction of Nigerian National for Human Trafficking

A Nigerian man, Chinedu Justice Obasi, will serve an 18-year prison sentence after the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, upheld his conviction for human trafficking and fraudulent marriage.

Obasi was found guilty in 2017 of harbouring two women, forcing them into prostitution, and taking their earnings. The court also convicted him of entering into a sham marriage with a South African woman in 2005 to secure residency.

The court heard that Obasi exploited the women, supplied them with drugs, and restricted their movements. On appeal, Obasi claimed that the trial court failed to consider his personal circumstances and evidence.

However, the judge dismissed these claims, noting that Obasi did not testify in his defence.

The judge described the case as a form of modern-day slavery, highlighting the vulnerability of victims to exploitation due to poverty, lack of education, and desperation. The court’s ruling confirms Obasi’s 18-year prison sentence.