The Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) has accused some pentecostal churches and Christian clerics in the state of encouraging human trafficking by promoting irregular migration.
The taskforce said that encouragement of human trafficking and promotion of irregular migration negate the provisions of the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law 2018 and are punishable under the same law.
The taskforce made these known in a Tuesday statement, vowing to prosecute any pastor or denomination caught promoting trafficking of young men and women in the state.
“These offences are highly prohibited and punishable under ‘the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law 2018,’ with punishment ranging from conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years and a fine of not less than ₦1,000,000.00.
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“It is an offence for any person to promote foreign travels which encourage prostitution or other forms of exploitation, as this is punishable for a term of not less than 7 years and a fine of not less than ₦1,000,000.00,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the taskforce said it “will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any pastor, reverend or any person, no matter how highly placed or connected in the society, who engages in such activities and ensure they face the legal consequences of their actions.”
Similarly, the taskforce also warned members of the public against statements that encourage irregular migration either in church or through the media.
It said such statements would not be regarded as an expression of the right to fair hearing.