An Ebonyi-born businessman, Joshua Nnamdi Ekuma, has been brought before the Family Law Centre in Abakaliki over allegations that he trafficked his former girlfriend to Ghana for sex exploitation.
The alleged victim, Chinecherem Awuru, aged 25, testified that Ekuma convinced her to travel with him to Lagos, where he allegedly handed her over to a man called Uche. From Lagos, she was reportedly transported to Accra, Ghana, and forced into prostitution.
Awuru, who is a native of Egueke Village in Ekka Community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, told the court that her ordeal began after a failed relationship with Ekuma.
According to her, the two dated in 2020, and she became pregnant during the relationship. She claimed that Ekuma abandoned her shortly afterward and later tricked her into traveling, not knowing she would end up outside the country.
“I thought we were traveling together. I didn’t know he planned to hand me over to someone else. When I arrived in Ghana, I was forced into commercial sex work. That was when I realized I had been trafficked,” she narrated during the hearing.
Ekuma, however, has reportedly denied all allegations, distancing himself from Awuru’s travel to Ghana and claiming he had no involvement in any trafficking activity.
The case has gained public attention due to its links to cross-border human trafficking, and authorities are now investigating the role of the man identified as Uche, who allegedly facilitated the victim’s transport to Ghana.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing, as the court continues to examine the evidence presented.
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