Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, has said that many victims of human trafficking have experienced ignorance or misunderstanding in their attempt to get help, saying that they have had traumatic post-rescue experiences during identification and legal proceedings.
Adeniran stated this at this year, 2021 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, organised by the Ogun State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (OGTAHT), held on June 12, Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights; indeed, every year, thousands of men, women, children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad”, Adeniran said. He added that some have faced revictimisation and punishment for crimes they were forced to commit by their traffickers, noting that others have been subjected to stigmatisation, or received inadequate support.
Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, has said that the training of the State Task Force on Human Trafficking with other relevant Agencies, was an additional advantage to eradicate the high rate of human trafficking, especially across the State’s border areas.
Adeniran made this known during a one-day workshop on “The Basic Knowledge and Skills in Assisting Victims of Human Trafficking”, held at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the State capital.
The Commissioner said that it is imperative to collaborate with relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and Security Agencies to tackle the high rate of trafficking, adding that the teamwork would further strengthen the efforts to solve problems relating with human trafficking.
Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, says respite will soon come to the victims of human trafficking, as they will get free legal services through the creation of Ogun State Public Interest Law Partnership (OPILP).
Adeniran who made this revelation in Abeokuta during the fourth meeting of the State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, added that OPILP would be partnering with private legal practitioners, to render free legal services (Pro-bono) to indigents and victims of human trafficking across the State.
The Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of the Taskforce, said the services would only be rendered if the victim wanted to pursue a civil action against the traffickers, noting that it would be an advantage for victims who want to claim damages or compensation for the dehumanisation meted on them through the Pro-bono services.