A Nigerian woman, who is suspected of transporting dozens of young girls from villages in Nigeria to the UK and other European countries, has been arrested.
Franca Osemota (36) is believed to be the ringleader of a sex trafficking ring that saw over 40 girls, most of whom were under 18, brought to the UK through heathrow airport to be sold as prostitutes in countries such as France and Spain.
Many of the girls were tricked into following Osemota into the UK with promises of a job, education and hope of a better future but were forced into a life of prostitution. Some of them were raped then threatened with witchcraft if they went to police and many were too afraid to speak out or contact the authorities.
Osemota, who accompanied the girls on their flights to Heathrow, was traced to Benin City in Nigeria by the National Crime Agency where she was arrested and is now in the process of being extradited to the UK.
“Asemota’s arrest was the result of exceptional collaboration with our partners at home and in Nigeria,” an NCA spokesperson said.
“This operation demonstrates our global reach and our determination to track those wanted in the UK, no matter where in the world they are.”
Another member of the human trafficking ring, Odosa Usiobaifo was jailed for 14 years in 2013.
