Ngor: Pregnant Nigerian minor forced into prostitution

A Nigerian national, identified by the initials P. Ch. Ogbonna, was arrested by the Ngor gendarmerie brigade and brought before the prosecutor for human trafficking, pimping and endangering the lives of others.

According to Libération, which broke the story, the proceedings stem from a complaint filed by a 17-year-old Senegalese woman, A. Mang. An orphan, the young woman was allegedly recruited in Nigeria under the promise of a job in a clothing store. However, upon her arrival in Senegal, P. Ch. Ogbonna reportedly demanded reimbursement of 3 million CFA francs, presented as expenses incurred for her transportation.

The young woman, whose pregnancy was reportedly discovered shortly after her arrival, claims she was subsequently forced into prostitution in Thiès and then Dakar to repay the money. As reported by the newspaper, she also stated that she suffered physical violence and had her travel documents and phone confiscated when she allegedly tried to resist.

The minor claims she was "almost held captive" during the day before being sent out onto the street in the evening. Taking advantage of the accused woman's absence, she reportedly managed to escape and go to the Ngor police station, where she reported the incident.

When questioned, P. Ch. Ogbonna reportedly admitted to some of the charges and asked for leniency from the court. She also allegedly claimed to have "herself been a victim of the same mafia-like system," according to the daily newspaper.