The Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called for the establishment of a specialised court to handle human trafficking and related offences in the state, as part of efforts to strengthen prosecution and improve access to justice for victims.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Bayelsa State Commander of NAPTIP, Ngozi Opara, to the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayenieye.
During the meeting, Opara outlined the agency’s mandate and ongoing operations aimed at combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and violence against persons across the country, stressing the need for faster judicial intervention in trafficking-related cases.
She said the establishment of a dedicated court would significantly reduce delays in prosecution, which often weaken cases and discourage victims who are required to testify in court proceedings.
According to her, prolonged trials remain one of the major challenges in securing convictions against traffickers, as victims frequently lose confidence in the justice process due to repeated adjournments and lengthy legal procedures.
“Delays in court processes often discourage victims, who serve as key witnesses in trafficking cases, from continuing with legal processes,” Opara said, adding that a specialised court would ensure faster and more efficient adjudication of such cases.
She maintained that improving the speed of justice delivery would not only strengthen prosecution outcomes but also enhance public confidence in the justice system and support broader efforts to curb human trafficking in Bayelsa State and beyond.
Responding, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayenieye, commended NAPTIP for its sustained efforts in addressing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons in the state.
She assured the delegation that the judiciary would consider the request in line with its mandate to ensure effective justice delivery.
“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,” Ayenieye said.
The visit also featured the presentation of Information, Education and Communication materials to the Chief Judge, as well as a symbolic issuance of red cards to human traffickers as part of a campaign aimed at reinforcing public rejection of trafficking and related crimes.
