A Federal DSS High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday sentenced Christiana Uadiale, also known as Christy Gold, to 12 years in prison for human trafficking.
The court also granted her an option of paying fines totaling ₦14 million.
Presiding Judge, Justice F.A. Olubanjo, ruled that Uadiale was guilty of all charges filed against her by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
She was convicted under sections 15(b) and 13(4)(c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
The judge sentenced her to 12 years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦11 million fine payable to the Federal Government.
In addition, the court awarded ₦1.5 million in compensation to each of the two victims of trafficking, totaling ₦3 million, for their rehabilitation.
Uadiale, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, was arraigned on a six-count charge in case number FHC/ASB/41C/2020. Although she was granted bail, she later absconded.
The court, invoking Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, continued the trial in her absence.
She was eventually apprehended by the Nigeria Immigration Service on December 31, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and has since been remanded at the Agbor Correctional Centre.
Speaking after the judgment, Uadiale’s sentencing counsel, Emmanuel Afolabi, described the ruling as a partial victory.
“We came in after her conviction, during the sentencing hearing, to argue for an option of fine under the law.
The court agreed, and this gives her an opportunity to rebuild her life and make restitution,” he said.
On the prosecution side, NAPTIP’s counsel, Victoria Oburoh, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a fair judgment that underscores the judiciary’s commitment to combating human trafficking.
“Although the law mandates both imprisonment and fine, the court opted for an interpretation that allows a fine option.
The agency’s management will review the judgment and decide whether to appeal,” Oburoh stated.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by NAPTIP and other stakeholders to clamp down on human trafficking and ensure justice for victims of the crime.