South African Court Upholds 18-Year Jail Term for Nigerian in Human Trafficking and Fraudulent Marriage Case

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an appeal by Nigerian national Chinedu Justice Obasi, affirming his conviction and 18-year prison sentence for human trafficking and entering into a fraudulent marriage to obtain South African residency.

Obasi was convicted in December 2017 and sentenced in September 2018 on three counts, two for harbouring women for sexual exploitation and one for contracting a sham marriage. His co-accused, and brother, Obioma Benjamin Abba, is already serving a 12-year sentence linked to the same case.

According to court records, between April and September 2016, Obasi held two women, identified as Busisiwe and Puleng captive in a Pretoria flat. He allegedly forced them into prostitution, confiscated their earnings, supplied them with drugs to create dependency, and closely monitored their movements to prevent escape.

On appeal, Obasi argued that the trial court failed to consider his personal circumstances and overlooked key evidence. However, Justice Graham Moshoana dismissed these claims, pointing out that Obasi declined to testify in his own defence.

Describing the case as “a clear example of modern-day slavery,” Moshoana said:“Human trafficking thrives where there is poverty, lack of education and desperation. Victims are often abused, confused and disoriented. People are trafficked for sex, labour and other forms of exploitation.”

On appeal, Obasi argued that the trial court failed to consider his personal circumstances and overlooked key evidence. However, Justice Graham Moshoana dismissed these claims, pointing out that Obasi declined to testify in his own defence.

Describing the case as “a clear example of modern-day slavery,” Moshoana said:“Human trafficking thrives where there is poverty, lack of education and desperation. Victims are often abused, confused and disoriented. People are trafficked for sex, labour and other forms of exploitation.”

The judge also noted the severe trauma suffered by the victims, who lived under constant surveillance and were kept drug-dependent to ensure obedience.

With the ruling, Obasi will serve the remainder of his 18-year sentence without the prospect of reduction, cementing a judgment that South African authorities say underscores their zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking and related crimes.