Men pay us N1000 and we give our Madam 10,000 to 15,000 naira each night and 40,000 naira every Sunday – 3 underage girls rescued from Anambra brothel narrate how they were forced into prostitution

In a collaborative effort between the Anambra State Government and the State Police Command, approximately 12 females, including three underage girls, were rescued from a brothel in Awka.

Acting on a tip-off from a whistleblower, the raid took place on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Happiness Guest Inn in Amawbia. The State Commissioner of Women and Social Commissioner, Hon Ify Obinabo, confirmed the operation on Tuesday in Awka. The underage girls have been taken to a hospital for medical examination and potential treatment.

According to a statement from the media aide to the commissioner, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, Hon. Obinabo reiterated the state government’s commitment to eradicating all forms of child kidnapping, trafficking, and sexual slavery within the state.

Hon. Obinabo, who narrated how she apprehended the suspect in collaboration with the police, warned hotel owners against employing underage girls for their establishments. She emphasized that those who violated this law would face legal consequences and assured that the case, which had already gained the attention of the Governor, would be treated seriously.

The underage girls, all hailing from Ebonyi State, shared their harrowing experiences, stating that they were taken from their homes in Izza by individuals named Ifeoma and Chika, who promised them job opportunities in Awka. However, to their surprise, they were forced into prostitution.

The girls revealed that the women who brought them to the brothel confiscated their phones and belongings, subsequently handing them over to another woman known as Ezenwannyi. Ezenwannyi informed them that they would only be released if they paid 150,000 naira or served her for one year.

Utilizing a whistleblower’s phone, the girls managed to contact their families, who then alerted the Women Affairs Ministry. With the assistance of the police, the ministry successfully raided the brothel.

Regarding their earnings at the brothel, the girls stated that they were required to bring in 10,000 to 15,000 naira each night and 40,000 naira every Sunday. The men they engaged with were expected to pay a minimum of 1,000 naira, causing conflicts between the girls and their madam.

Mrs. Uchechi Friday, one of the parents of the girls, reported her daughter’s disappearance to the police station in Abakaliki. She was surprised when she received a call from her daughter, leading her to seek assistance from the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner of Anambra State.

Mrs. Friday expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for the swift response and urged other parents to remain vigilant about their children’s welfare and whereabouts.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a thorough investigation, and subsequent legal action will be taken in court.