28/05/2026
Nigerian Woman Jailed 10 Years for Trafficking Minors Into S*x Slavery at Grand Gedeh Mining Camp.
By D Abraham Cooper sr
May 28,2026
The 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, has sentenced Nigerian national Esther Asuaquo to 10 years imprisonment for trafficking three Nigerian female minors into Liberia and forcing them into prostitution at an illegal gold mining site.
The conviction, secured during the May 2026 Term of Court, is being hailed by authorities as a major breakthrough in Liberia’s fight against human trafficking and organized sexual exploitation.
According to court records and the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, Asuaquo lured the victims—aged between 15 and 19—into Liberia under the false pretense of securing jobs for them at a beauty salon.
Instead, prosecutors said, the girls were transported to a remote mining camp where they were allegedly forced into prostitution for the trafficker’s financial benefit.
State prosecutors told the court that Asuaquo supplied the victims with condoms nightly and threatened them whenever they resisted the exploitation. Authorities further alleged that she demanded approximately LRD 2 million from each victim in exchange for their freedom, although only one victim reportedly managed to pay.
The trafficking operation was uncovered after Asuaquo allegedly reported the victims to police over a theft accusation, prompting an investigation that exposed the exploitation scheme and led to her arrest on charges of Trafficking in Persons.
The victims have since been placed in a government-run safe home, where they are receiving protective and professional care.
During court proceedings, Asuaquo pleaded guilty under a plea bargain agreement negotiated with the Ministry of Justice and approved by the court on May 19, 2026. The agreement cited her remorse, cooperation with investigators, and other mitigating factors.
Resident Circuit Judge Cllr. George S. Wiles ruled that the defendant entered the plea voluntarily and with full understanding of the charges against her.
In determining the sentence, the court considered Asuaquo’s lack of previous criminal convictions, community support, stated willingness to rehabilitate, and her current pregnancy.
Although Liberia’s amended anti-human trafficking law prescribes penalties ranging from a minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment, the court imposed a 10-year sentence, citing mitigating circumstances surrounding the case.
The court further ordered that Asuaquo remain in custody until medically cleared following childbirth. After delivery, she may be temporarily released under strict judicial conditions to facilitate childbirth and childcare.
Under the court’s ruling, she must report monthly to the Sheriff of the Court, remain within Zwedru City unless otherwise authorized, and complete one year of compulsory community service beginning six months after delivery.
Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce and Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., welcomed the conviction as a significant victory in Liberia’s ongoing campaign against human trafficking.
Kruah warned that the Taskforce will intensify investigations and prosecutions throughout 2026 as authorities move aggressively to dismantle trafficking networks operating across Liberia.
