NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Witnesses in the ongoing human trafficking trial in Criminal Court ‘A’ at the Temple of Justice have told jurors that they were lured to Monrovia with promises of travel opportunities to Canada but were instead confined in fenced compounds and subjected to various forms of abuse.
By: Watson Richards – richardswatson96@gmail.com
Testifying before the court on Friday, Precious Thomas recounted her experience after allegedly paying US$3,000 in hopes of securing travel arrangements to Canada.
Thomas told jurors that upon arriving at the facility, she was prevented from leaving and was held against her will.
According to her testimony, she was also sexually exploited and pressured to solicit additional money from relatives and friends.
Thomas said the promises made to her prior to arriving at the compound did not materialize, leaving her trapped in what she described as a controlled environment.
Another witness, Racheal Lakpor, provided similar testimony. Lakpor told the court that she paid US$1,000 after being promised opportunities abroad.
However, she alleged that she was sexually assaulted and repeatedly instructed to request more funds from family members.
Both witnesses testified that residents within the compounds were subjected to strict controls and that those who failed to comply with instructions faced punishments and intimidation.
Their accounts painted a picture of an operation in which individuals were allegedly manipulated, restricted in their movements, and pressured to generate additional funds.
The court also heard testimony from Shirley Johnny, one of the defendants in the case. During Friday’s proceedings, Johnny agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, resulting in the dismissal of charges against her and her qualification as a prosecution witness.
Taking the stand, Johnny corroborated portions of the testimonies provided by the alleged victims. She told the court that individuals at the facility were pressured to recruit other people into the scheme and to raise more money. According to her testimony, those who refused to comply faced various forms of punishment.
The case centers on allegations of human trafficking, theft, and criminal conspiracy involving 22 defendants.
Prosecutors allege that the accused orchestrated a scheme that collected more than US$124,000 from 57 victims through false promises of travel, employment, and educational opportunities in Canada.
Authorities contend that victims were persuaded to pay significant sums of money based on assurances that they would be provided opportunities abroad.
Instead, prosecutors allege, many found themselves trapped in facilities where they were subjected to exploitation and coercion.
The trial continues in Criminal Court ‘A’ as prosecutors seek to establish the roles of the defendants in the alleged trafficking operation. Jurors are expected to hear additional testimony and evidence as proceedings move forward.
