TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (PROHIBITION) ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ACT, 2015

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[EDITOR’S NOTE: This Act repeals the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 as amended ]

LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (PROHIBITION) ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ACT, 2015

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

An Act to Repeal the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and  Administration Act, 2003 as Amended and to enact the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act to provide measures against trafficking; and for related matters.

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART 1–OBJECTIVES

1. Objectives.

PART II–ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

2. Establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
3. Establishment and Composition of the Governing Board.
4. Tenure of Office of the Chairman and Members of the Board.
5. Functions of the Agency.
6. Powers of the Agency.
7. Functions and Powers of the Board.
8. Appointment and Tenure of the Director-General
9. Other Staff of the Agency.
10. Service in the Agency to be Pensionable.
11. Establishment of Special Departments.
12.  Duties of the Special Departments.

PART III–PROHIBITION OF ACTS OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

13. Prohibition of Acts of Trafficking in Persons.

PART IV-OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

14. Importation and Exportation of Person.
15. Procurement of Person for Sexual Exploitation.
16. Abuse, Procurement or Recruitment of Person under 18 years for Prostitution or other forms of Sexual Exploitation.
17. Procurement or Recruitment of Person under the age of 18 years for Pornography or Brothel.
18. Foreign travel which promotes Prostitution or Sexual Exploitation.
19. Procurement or Recruitment of Person for use in Armed Conflicts.
20. Procurement or Recruitment of Person for Organ Harvesting.
21. Prohibition of Buying or Selling of Human beings for any purpose.
22. Forced Labour.
23. Employment of Child as domestic worker and inflicting grievous harm.
24. Trafficking in Slaves
25. Slave dealing.
26. Offences relating to fraudulent entry of Persons.
27. Conspiracy.
28. Escape or Aiding and Abetting escape.
29. Attempt to commit an Offence under this Act.
30. Where Evidence establishes an attempt to commit an Offence or the Commission of the full Offence.
31. Offences by a Body Corporate.
32. Obstruction of the Agency or her Authorised Officer.
33. Impersonation or Assumption of character of an Officer of the Agency.
34. Tampering with Evidence and Witness.
35. Responsibility of Airlines, Commercial Carriers, Tour Operators and Travel Agents.

PART   V–JURISDICTION

36. Jurisdiction to try Offences under this Act.
37. Adoption of measures to avoid delays.

PART VI–FINANCIAL  PROVISIONS

38. Funds of the Agency,
39. Expenditures of the Agency.
40. Power to Borrow and Accept Gifts.
41. Accounts and Audit.
42. Annual Report.

PART VII–SEARCH, ARREST AND SEIZURE

43. Issuance of Warrant for Investigation.
44. Investigation or Search without Warrant.
45. Video Recording and Custody of Records.
46. Protection of Informants and Information.
47. Witness Protection,

PART   VIII–ATTACHMENT AND FORFEITURE OF ASSETS

48. Forfeiture of Passport.
49. Forfeiture of Assets after Conviction.
50. Foreign Assets.
51. Property subject to Forfeiture.
52. Seizure of Property.
53. Investigation of Assets and Properties of an arrested person.
54. Disclosure of Assets and Property by an arrested Person.
55. Interim attachment Order after Seizure of Property.
56. Final Order of Forfeiture.
57. Disposal of Forfeiture Property.
58. Offences in relation to Forfeiture Orders.
59. Consequences of an acquittal in respect of confiscated Assets and Property.
60. Freezing Order on Banks or Other financial Institutions.

PART IX–TREATMENT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS

61. Treatment of Trafficked Persons.
62. Non-detention or Prosecution of a Trafficked Person in certain circumstances.
63. Rights of a Victim to Information.
64. Establishment of Transit Shelter.
65. Right to Compensation or Restitution.
66. Application of certain Enactments.

PART X–VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING TRUST FUND

67. Establishment of Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.
68. Establishment of Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund Committee.

PART XI–MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE, EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND EXTRADITION

69. Requests from Foreign States.
70. Request to Foreign State.
71. Evidence pursuant to a Request.
72. Form of Requests.
73. Extradition.
74. Exchange of Information relating to Human Trafficking.

PART XII–MISCELLANEOUS

75. Power of the Minister to give directives of general character to the Agency.
76. Power to make Regulation.
77. Pre-action Notice.
78. Restriction on Execution against Property of the Agency.
79. Indemnity of Officers of the Agency.
80. Repeal and Savings Provision.
81. Transitional Provisions.
82. Interpretation.
83. Citation.

SCHEDULE

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (PROHIBITION) ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ACT 2015

An Act to Repeal the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and  Administration Act, 2003 as Amended and to enact the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act to provide measures against trafficking; and for related matters.

[26th Day of March, 2015]

ENACTED by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—

PART 1—OBJECTIVES

Objectives.

1. The Objectives of this Act are to—

(a)     provide an effective and comprehensive Legal and Institutional framework  for the  prohibition,  prevention, detection,  prosecution and punishment of human trafficking and related offences  in Nigeria;

(b)     protect victims  of Human Trafficking;  and

(c)     promote and  facilitate National and International co-operation in order to  meet the Objectives set out in paragraphs (a)  and  (b) of this Section.

PART II – ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITIDN  OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons

2.- (1) There is established the National Agency for the Prohibition     Establishment of Trafficking in Persons (in this Act referred to as “the Agency”).

(2)     The Agency shall be a Body Corporate-

(a)     with perpetual succession and a common seal;

(b)     which may sue or be sued in its corporate name;  and

(c)     which may acquire, hold, purchase, mortgage and deal howsoever with property,  movable or immovable, real  or personal.

Establishment and Composition of the Governing Board.

3.–(1) There is established for the Agency, a part time Governing Board (in this Act referred to as “the Board”).

(2)     The Board shall consist of—

(a)     a Chairman who shall  be a person with knowledge and experience in matters related to counter-trafficking in persons;

(b)     two representatives of Civil  Society-based Organizations involved in matters relating to trafficking in persons;

(c)     a representative each of the following Institutions or Agencies who  shall  be within the Directorate Cadre-

(i)      Federal Ministry of Justice;

(ii)     Federal Ministry of Women Affairs;

(iii)    Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity;

(iv)    Nigeria Police Force:

(v)     National Intelligence Agency;

(vi)    Nigeria Immigration Service; and

(vii)   National Planning Commission;

(d)     the Director-General  and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency who shall  be the  Secretary to the  Board.

(3)     The Chairman and other Members of the Board shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister.

First Schedule.

(4)     The provisions of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to the proceedings of the Board and other matters mentioned therein.

Tenure of Office of the Chairman and members of the Board.

4.–(1)  The  Chairman  and  Members of the Board shall  hold  Office for a term of four years and  may be eligible for re-appointment for another term of four years and  no  more.

(2)     The Office of the Chairman or a Member of the Board shall become vacant where—

(a)     his term of Office expires;

(b)     he  resigns  his  Office  by  a  notice  in  writing under  his  hand addressed to  the  President;

(c)     he dies;

(d)     the Board by resolution declares  the  seat  vacant because  he—

(i)      has been absent from the Board meetings for four consecutive times without the permission of the  Board;

(ii)     becomes a person of unsound mind or incapable of carrying out his duties;

(iii)    has been declared bankrupt or he makes compromise with his creditors;

(iv)    is incapacitated  by physical or mental  illness;

(v)     has been convicted of a felony or any offence involving dishonesty;

(vi)    is guilty of gross  misconduct  relating to his duties;  or

(e)     in the case of an ex-officio member,  he ceases to hold the Office on  the  basis  of which he  became  a member  of the  Board.

(3)     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2) of this Section, the President may remove a member from the Board if he is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Agency or Public for the person appointed to continue in Office.

(4)     Where a vacancy occurs in  the  membership  of the Board, the President shall  appoint a successor to hold office for the remainder of the Term of Office of his  predecessor and  the  successor shall represent the same  interest  as that member  whose  exit  created  the  vacancy.

Functions of the Agency.

5. The functions of the Agency shall be to-

(a)     enforce and  administer the provisions of this Act;

(b)     co-ordinate and enforce all other Laws on Trafficking in Persons and  related  offences ;

(c)     adopt effective measures  for the  prevention and  eradication  of trafficking in persons  and  related offences;

(d)     establish co-ordinated preventive, regulatory and investigatory machinery geared towards the  eradication of trafficking in persons;

(e)     investigate all cases of trafficking in  persons including forced labour, child  labour, forced prostitution, exploitative  labour and other forms of exploitation, slavery and slavery-like activities, bonded labour, removal  of organs, illegal smuggling of migrants, sale and purchase of persons;

(f)      encourage and facilitate the availability and participation of persons who voluntarily, consent to assist in investigations or proceedings relating to trafficking  in  persons  and  related  offences;

(g)     enhance the effectiveness of Law Enforcement agents  and  other partners  in  the  suppression of  trafficking  in persons;

(h)     create  public  enlightenment and  awareness through  seminars, workshops, publications, radio and television programmes and other means aimed at educating the public on the dangers of trafficking in  persons;

(i)      establish and maintain communications to facilitate rapid exchange of information concerning offences under this Act;

(j)      conduct research and strengthen effective legal means of international co-operation  in suppressing trafficking in persons;

(k)     implement all bilateral  and multilateral treaties  and conventions on trafficking  in  persons  adopted  by Nigeria;

(l)      strengthen co-operation and conduct joint operations with  relevant Law Enforcement and  Security Agencies, International Authorities and other relevant partners in  the Eradication of Trafficking in  Persons:

(m)    co-ordinate, supervise and  control-

(i)      the protection,  assistance  and  rehabilitation of  trafficked persons;   and

(ii)     all functions and activities relating to investigation and prosecution of all offences connected with or relating to trafficking in  persons;

(n)     adopt measures  to  identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds, property, funds  or other assets derived  from  trafficking  in persons or related offences;

(o)     conduct research on factors responsible for internal and external trafficking in  persons  and  initiate  programmes  and  strategies  aimed  at the prevention  and  elimination  of the problem;

(p)     facilitate rapid exchange of scientific and technical information concerning or relating to trafficking in persons;

(q)     collaborate with Government Bodies both within and outside Nigeria whose functions are similar to those of the Agency in the area of the-

(i)      movement of proceeds or properties derived  from trafficking in persons  and other related  offences;

(ii)    identities,  location  and  activities of persons suspected of being involved  in  trafficking  in  persons and  other related offences;  and

(iii)    exchange of personnel and  other experts;

(r)      establish and maintain a system for monitoring trans-border activities relating to trafficking in persons in  order to identify suspicious movements and  persons involved;

(s)     deal with matters connected  with the extradition  and deportation of persons involved  in trafficking  in  persons and other mutual  legal assistance  between  Nigeria  and any other  Country in   Trafficking  in Persons, subject to the supervision of the Minister;

(t)      initiate, develop and improve special training programmes for personnel of the Agency and relevant Law Enforcement Agents charged with the responsibility of detecting offences created under this Act;  and

(u)     carry out such other activities as are necessary for the efficient discharge of the functions conferred on it under this Act .

Powers of the Agency.

6. The Agency shall have the power to—

(a)     investigate whether any person, body or entity has committed  an offence  under this Act or the offence of trafficking under any other law;

(b)     enter into any premises, property or conveyance for the purpose of conducting searches in furtherance of its  functions under this Act or under  any other law ;

(c)     arrest, detain and prosecute offenders under this Act or any other law on trafficking in persons in Nigeria;

(d)     trace, seize, detain or retain the custody, for  the purpose  of investigation and prosecution, of any property which the Agency reasonably believes to have been involved  in  or used in the commission of offences  under  this Act or any  other law;

(e)     seal up premises upon reasonable suspicion of such premises being involved with or used in connection with offences under this Act;  and

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(f)      seek and receive  information from  any  person, authority, corporation or company without hindrance in respect of the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Act.                                     .

Functions and Powers of the Board.

7.- (1) The Board shall-

(a)     formulate and  provide general policy guidelines for the discharge of the functions of the Agency;

(b)     monitor and ensure the implementation of the policies and programmes of the Agency; and

(c)     carry out such other functions as are necessary or expedient to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the Agency under this Act.

(2)     The Board shall have power to-

(a)     approve rules and regulations relating to the appointment, promotion and disciplinary measures for the employees of the Agency;

(b)     fix the remuneration,  allowances  and benefits  of the employees of the Agency  subject  to  the approval  of the  Salaries  and  Wages Commission;  and

(c)     regulate its proceedings and make standing orders with  respect to the holding of its meetings, notices to be given, the keeping of minutes of its  proceedings  and  such  other matters as the Board may, from time to time, determine.

Appointment and tenure of the Director-General.

8. (1) There shall  be for the  Agency,  a Director-General  who shall be from the Directorate Cadre in the Public Service of the Federation or its  equivalent in  any  law  enforcement  service  and  shall  be appointed  by the President on  the recommendation of the Minister.

(2)     The Director-General shall—

(a)     be the chief executive  and  accounting  officer  of the Agency;

(b)     be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Agency;

(c)     keep the books and records of the Agency; and

(d)     be the Secretary to the Board.

(3)     The Director-General shall hold office for a term of four years in the first instance and may be eligible for re-appointment for another term of four years and no more.

Other staff of the Agency.

9.–(1) The Agency may, from time to time, appoint such other staff as  it may deem necessary, to assist the Agency in the performance of its functions under this Act.

(2)     The staff of the Agency appointed under subsection (1) of this section shall be appointed on such terms and conditions of service as the Agency may determine in accordance with the approved government policy.

(3)     The staff of the agency shall be public officers as defined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

(4)     The Agency may, subject to the provisions of Section 9(2) of this Act and  the approval of other relevant agencies, make staff regulations relating generally to the conditions of service of its employees providing for-

(a)     the appointment,  promotion and  staff discipline;

(b)     appeals by employees  against  disciplinary  measures;   and

(c)     such other matters to  ensure  the efficient performance  of  the functions  of the Agency under this Act.

(5)     Staff regulations and conditions of service made under subsection (4) of this section shall not have effect until it is published in the Gazette and website of the Agency,

(6)     Until  the  staff regulations and conditions  of service  under subsection  (4)  of this section  are made, any  instrument  relating to  the conditions of service applicable to the Civil Service of the Federation shall be applicable to the Agency with such modifications as may be considered necessary  by  the Agency from time to  time.

Service in the Agency to be pensionable.

10.-(1) Service in the Agency shall be public service for the purpose of the Pension Reform Act and accordingly, officers and other staff of the Agency shall, in respect of their service in the Agency, be entitled to such pension and retirement benefits as are prescribed in the Pension Reform Act.

(2)     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, nothing in this Act shall prevent the appointment of a person to any office on terms which preclude the grant of pension and retirement benefits in respect of that office.

(3)     For the purpose of the application of the provisions of the Pension  Reform Act, any power exercisable by a Minister or other authority of  the  Government of the Federation (not being the power to make regulations under section 76 of this Act) are hereby vested in and shall be exercisable  by the  Board.

Establishment of Special Departments.

11.–(1) For the effective conduct of the functions of the Agency, there shall be established for the Agency the following Special Department—

(a)     Investigation and Monitoring Department;

(b)     Legal and Prosecution Department;

(c)     Public Enlightenment Department;

(d)     Counselling and Rehabilitation Department;

(e)     Research and Programme Development Department;

(f)      Training and Manpower Development Department; and

(g)     such other Departments as the Agency may establish with the approval of the Board  from time to time.

(2)     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the Agency shall have powers to –

(a)     set up units, technical committees, working groups  and ask forces to assist the Agency in the performance of its duties and functions under this Act;  and

(b)     make changes to its structure with the approval of the Board.

(3)     There shall be appointed for each of the Special Departments a Principal Officer who shall be known by such designation as the Agency may determine.

Duties of the Special Departments.

12.-(1) The Investigation and Monitoring Department shall-

(a)     be responsible for the prevention and detection of offences under this Act;

(b)     collaborate with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant law  enforcement  agencies  in  charge of entry and exit  for the  purpose of detecting offences  under this Act;

(c)     conduct the proceedings as may be necessary towards the recovery of any asset or property confiscated, frozen or forfeited under this Act;

(d)     effect the  confiscation or forfeiture of such proceeds, assets and properties in collaboration with the Legal and Prosecution  Department.

(2)     The Legal and Prosecution Department shall—

(a)     be responsible for the prosecution of offenders under this Act;

(b)     support the Agency and  other Departments with legal advice and assistance  whenever it is  required;

(c)     conduct  the  proceedings  as  may  be  necessary  to wards  the recovery of any asset or property  confiscated, frozen or forfeited under this Act;

(d)     deal with matters connected with extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters; and

(e)     perform such other legal duties as the Agency may refer to it from time to time.

(3)     The Public Enlightenment Department shall be responsible for—

(a)     carrying out information and awareness-raising campaigns, seminars and workshops, radio and television programmes aimed  at educating the public on the dangers of trafficking in  persons, especially to sectors and groups  that are vulnerable to trafficking  in  persons, in co-operation with the media, non-governmental  organizations, labour, market organizations, migrants organizations  and  other segments of civil society;

(b)     developing educational programmes, in particular for young people, to—

(i)      address gender discrimination and promote gender equality and respect for the dignity and integrity of every human  being;

(ii)     include trafficking in persons in human rights curricula in  schools and universities ; and

(iii)    address the underlying causes of trafficking, such as poverty, under-development, unemployment, lack of equal opportunities and discrimination in all its forms, and improve the social and economic conditions of groups at risk.

(4)     The Counselling and Rehabilitation Department shall have responsibility for—

(a)     counselling, after care rehabilitation, social re-integration and education of trafficked persons;

(b)     the promotion of the welfare of victims of trafficking in persons; and

(c)     supporting, advising and facilitating access  to legal  aid services by victims.

(5)     The Research and Programme Development Department shall be responsible for-

(i)      researching into factors causing and promoting internal and external trafficking in  persons;

(ii)     imitating programmes  and developing strategies for addressing the problems of trafficking in persons;

(iii)    supporting the Agency in areas of statistics, records, planning; and

(iv)    performing such other duties as the Agency may refer to it from time  to time.

(6)     The Training and Manpower Development Department shall—

(a)     initiate, develop or improve specific training programmes for officers of the Agency and relevant law enforcement officers  charged with the responsibility for the  prevention, detection,  investigation, elimination,  prosecution, rehabilitation of victims of trafficking and related activities;

(b)     collaborate with relevant law enforcement and security agencies and institutions for the purpose of providing training for law enforcement and security officers responsible for the  investigation, detection, prevention, elimination of human  trafficking and related offences and the rehabilitation of victims of trafficking in  persons and related  unlawful activities;  and

(c)     collaborate with, support and keep a register of Non-Governmental Organizations involved in anti-human trafficking activities especially in the area of training, workshop and seminars.

PART III–PROHIBITION OF ACTS OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

13.–(1) All acts of human trafficking are prohibited in Nigeria.

(2)     Any person who recruits, transports, transfers, harbours or receives another person by means of-

(a)     threat or use  of force  or other forms  of coercion;

(b)     abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or position of vulnerability; or

(c)     giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for  the purpose  of exploitation of that person, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years  and  a fine of not less than N250,000.00.

(3)     For the purpose of sub-section (2)(c), abuse of a  position  of vulnerability includes intentionally using or otherwise taking advantage of an individual’s personal, situational or circumstantial vulnerability to recruit, transport, transfer, habour or receive that person for the purpose of exploiting him or her, such  that the person believes  that submitting to the will  of the abuser is the only real or acceptable option available to him or her and that this belief is reasonable in the light of the victim’s situation.

(4)     A person who in or outside Nigeria directly or indirectly—

(a)     does or threatens any act preparatory to or in furtherance of an  act of trafficking in persons;

(b)     omits to do anything that is reasonably necessary to prevent an act of  trafficking in persons;

(c)     assists or facilitates the activities of persons engaged in acts of trafficking in persons or is an accessory to any offence under this Act;

(d)     procures any other person  by any means  to  commit  an  offence under this Act;

(e)     participates as an accomplice in the commission of a offence  under this Act;  or

(f)      promises or induces any other person by any means to commit any of the offences referred to in this Act, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years and a fine of not less than N1,000,000.00.

(5)     The consent of a victim of trafficking in persons to the intended exploitation set forth in the definition of trafficking in persons in this Act shall be irrelevant where any of the means set forth in the definition has been used.

(6)     The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation shall be considered trafficking in persons even  if this does not  involve any  of the means set forth in the definition  of trafficking in persons in this Act.

PART   IV–OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

Importation and Exportation of person.

14. Any person who-

(a)     imports another person into Nigeria, knowing or having reason  to know  that the person will  be forced or induced into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation in Nigeria or while in transit; or

(b)     exports another person from Nigeria, knowing or having reason  to know, that the person  will  be forced or induced into prostitution  or other forms of sexual exploitation in  the country to which the person is exported or  while in transit, commits an  offence  and  is  liable on  conviction to imprisonment for a term of not  less  than  5  years  and  a fine  of not  less than N 1,000,000.00.

15. Any person who—

(a)     by the  use  of deception, coercion, debt bondage or any  means, induces any person under the age  of 18 years to go from one place  to another to do any act with intent that such person  may  be, or knowing that it  is  likely that the person will be forced  or seduced into illicit intercourse with another person, or

(b)     keeps, detains or harbours any other person with intent, knowing or having reason to know that such a person is likely to  be forced or induced  into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation with or by any person or an animal, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment  for 5 years and a fine  of N500,000.00.

Abuse, procurement or recruitment of person under 18 years for prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation.

16.–(1) Any person who procures or recruits any person under the age of 18 years to be subjected to prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation with himself, any person or persons, either in Nigeria or anywhere else, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 7 years and a fine of not less than N1, 000,000.00.

(2)     Any person who procures or recruits any person under the age of 18 years to be conveyed from his usual  place of abode, knowing or having reasons to know that such a person  may be  subjected or induced  into prostitution or other forms  of sexual  exploitation  in  any place   outside Nigeria, commits an  offence and  is  liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 7 years and a fine of not less than N1,000,000.00.

Procurement of person for sexual exploitation.

17.–(1) Any person who-

(a)     procures,  recruits, uses or offers any person under  the  age  of 18 years for the production  of  pornography or  for  pornographic performances  ;

(b)     allows a person under  the age of 18  years to be harboured  in  a brothel, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than  7 years and a fine of not less than N 1,000,000.00.

(2)     Notwithstanding the punishment prescribed in subsection (1) of this section, a convicted person under this section shall, in addition to the prescribed punishment, be liable to a term of not less than 1 year imprisonment where he administered or stupefied the victim with any drug substance.

Foreign travel which promotes prostitution or sexual exploitation.

18. Any person, who organizes, facilitates or promotes foreign travels which promote prostitution or other forms of exploitation of any person or encourages such activity, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 7 years and a fine of not less than N 1,000,000.00.

Procurement or recruitment of person for use in armed conflicts.

19. Any person who trafficks any person for the purpose of forced or compulsory recruitment for use in armed-conflict, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not  less than  7 years and  a fine  of not less  than  N1 ,000,000.00.

Procurement or recruitment of person for organ harvesting.

20.–(1) Any person who—

(a)     through force, deception, threat, debt bondage or  any  form  of coercion—

(i)      abuses a position of power or situation of dominance or authority arising from a given  circumstance; or

(ii)     abuses a vulnerable situation; or

(b)     through the giving or receiving of payments or benefits in order to induce or obtain the consent of a person directly or through another person who has control over him; enlists, transports, delivers, accommodates or takes in another person for the purpose of removing the person’s organs, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 7 years and a fine of not less than N5, 000,000.00.

(2)     Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, a person who procures or offers any person, assists or is involved in anyway-

(a)     in the  removal of human  organs; or

(b)     buying and selling of human organs, commits an offence and  is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a  term of not less than  7 years and to a fine  of not  less than N 5,000,000.00 .

(3)     Any  person who  enlists, transports, delivers, accommodates or takes  in  another person under the age of 18 years for the purpose of removing the person’s organs, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 7 years and a fine of not less than N 5,000,000.00.

Prohibition of buying or selling of human beings for any purpose.

21. Any person who buys, sells, hires, lets or otherwise obtains the possession or disposal of any person with intent, knowing it to be likely or having reasons to know that such a person will be subjected to exploitation, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years and a fine of not less  than  N2,000,000.00.

Forced labour.

22. Any person who—

(a)     requires, recruits, transports, harbours, receives or hires out a person to be used  for forced  labour within or outside Nigeria;  or

(b)     permits any place or premises to be used for the purpose of forced labour, commits  an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term  of not less than 5 years  and a fine of not less than N 1,000,000.00.

Employment of child as domestic worker and inflicting grievous harm

23. (1) Any person who-

(a)     employs, requires, recruits, transports, harbours, receives or hires out a child under the  age of 12 years  as a domestic worker, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a minimum term of 6 months and not exceeding 7 years;

(b)      employs, requires, recruits, transports, harbours, receives or hires out a child to do any work that is exploitative, injurious or hazardous to the physical, social and psychological development of the child, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a minimum term of 2 years  but not exceeding 7 years without an option of fine.

(2)     Notwithstanding the punishment prescribed in subsection (1) of this section, a convicted person under this section shall, in addition to the prescribed punishment, be liable to-

(a)     a term of not less than 2 years   imprisonment where the  child  is denied payment or reasonable compensation for services rendered;  or

(b)     a term of not less than 3 years where the child is defiled or inflicted with bodily harm.

Trafficking in slaves.

24. Any person who recruits, imports, exports, transfers, transports, buys,  sells, disposes or in any way trafficks in any person as a slave  or accepts,  receives, detains or  harbours  a  person  as  a slave,  commits an offence and  is  liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not  less than  7 years and a fine of not less than  N2,000,000.00.

Slave dealing.

25. Any person who-

(a)     deals, keeps, receives or harbours any person  for the  purpose of holding or treating that person as a slave;

(b)     places, receives, harbours or holds any person as a pledge, pawn,  in servitude or security for debt or benefits; whether due or to be incurred;

(c)     transports, transfers or in any way induces any person to come into Nigeria in order to hold, possess, deal or treat such person as a slave  or to be used as a pledge or security for debt; or

(d)     enters into any contract or agreement with or without consideration for  the  purpose  of doing or accomplishing  any of the purposes enumerated in this section, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 7 years and to a fine of not less than N2,000,000.00.

Offences relating to fraudulent entry of persons.

26.-(1) Any person who knowingly, in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or material benefit, procures the illegal entry of a person into a country of which the person is not a citizen or a permanent resident, commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years without an option of fine.

(2)     Any person who, intentionally in order to obtain a financial or material benefit from another person, engages in fraudulent acts or conducts purportedly for the purpose of procuring, facilitating or promoting the actual or  intended entry into, transit across or stay in  a country in which  that other person is not a national or a permanent resident, commits an offence and  is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years without an option of fine and shall refund all monies fraudulently obtained from the victims.

(3)     For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section “illegal entry” means crossing borders without complying with the necessary requirements for legal entry into the receiving State.

.                                                 .

Conspiracy.

27. Any person who conspires with another to commit an offence under this Act is liable—

(a)     where the offence is committed, to the punishment provided for the commission of the offence; and

(b)     where the  offence is not committed, to  a punishment which is half the punishment for the offence.

Escape or aiding and abetting escape.

28. Any person who—

(a)     being in lawful custody of the Agency, escapes; or

(b)     aids, facilitates or abets the escape of a person in lawful custody of the Agency, or suspected to have committed an offence under any of the provisions of this Act commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 5 years.

Attempt to commit an officer under this Act.

29. Any person who attempts to commit any offence under this Act is liable on conviction to half the punishment for the offence.

Where evidence establishes an attempt to commit an offence or the Commission of the full offence.

30.-(1) Where a person is charged with any of the offences under this Act and the evidence establishes an attempt to commit that offence, he may be convicted of having attempted to commit the offence and shall be liable on conviction to half the punishment for the offence.

(2)     Where a person is charged with an attempt to commit an offence under this Act, but the evidence establishes the commission of the full offence, the offender shall not be entitled to acquittal but shall be convicted for the commission of the offence as provided under this Act.

Offence by a Body Corporate.

31.-(1) Where an offence under this Act committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed on the instigation or with the connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, a Director, Manager, Secretary of the Body Corporate or any person purported to act in any such capacity, the officer shall be liable on conviction lo the same punishment provided under this Act for individuals committing the offence.

(2)     Where a body corporate is convicted of an offence under this Act, it shall be liable to a fine of N10, 000,000.00 and the Court may issue an order to wind-up the body corporate and its Assets and Properties transferred to the Victims Of Trafficking Trust Fund.

(3)     Nothing contained in subsections (1) and (2) of this Section shall render any person liable to any punishment if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.

Obstruction of the Agency or its authorized officer.

32.-(1)   A person who unlawfully—

(a)     obstructs the Agency or any authorized officer of the Agency  in the exercise of any of the powers conferred on  the Agency by this Act; or

(b)     fails to comply with any lawful enquiry or requirements made by any  authorized officer in  accordance with  the provisions of this Act, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to  imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or a fine of N250,000.00 or to both.

(2)     A person who unlawfully-

(a)     refuses any  officer of the  Agency access to  any  premises, or fails to submit to a search by a person authorized to search him  under this Act;

(b)     assaults, or obstructs any officer of the Agency or any  person authorized by the Agency  in  the execution of his duty under this Act; or

(c)     fails to produce,  conceals  or attempts  to conceal  from an officer of the Agency any book, document, information storage system or article  in relation to which such officer has reasonable  grounds to believe or suspect that an offence under this Act or any other law prohibiting trafficking in persons and protection of children has been or is being committed,  or which is  liable to seizure under  this Act, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine of not less than N250,000.00 or to both.

Impersonation or assumption of character of an officer of the Agency.

33. Any  person who unlawfully assumes the  name,  character  or designation  of an officer of the Agency,  commits an  offence  under  this Act and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years without an option  of fine.

Tampering with evidence and witness.

34. A person who tampers with-

(a)     a witness by intimidation, threats, blackmail,  inducement or similar acts;  or

(b)     evidence or exhibit by falsification, conversion,  destruction  or forgery, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5  years or to a fine not less than N250,000.00 or to both.

35.–(1) Every Airline Operator, Sea Vessel Operator, Commercial  Carrier, Tour Operator and Travel Agent is under obligation not to aid and abet, facilitate and promote—

(a)     trafficking in  persons;  or

(b)     pornography and exploitation in tourism;

(2)     Every Airline Operator, Sea Vessel Operator, Commercial Carrier, Tour Operator and Travel Agent shall notify its clients of its obligation under subsection (1) of this Section.

(3)     Every Airline Operator, Sea Vessel Operator, Commercial Carrier, Tour Operator and Travel Agent is required to-

(a)     provide a clause in contracts with corresponding suppliers in destination  Countries, requiring  the suppliers to  comply  with the obligations stated in subsections (1) and (2) of this Section;

(b)     refrain from utilizing messages on printed materials, video  or the internet that could suggest or allude to behaviour incompatible with the objectives of this Act;

(c)     inform their staff of their obligations under this Act; and

(d)     include clauses regarding their obligations under this Act in their conditions of service.

(4)     Every airline operator, sea  vessel  operator, commercial  carrier, tour operator and  travel agent who violates the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this Section commits an offence and, in  addition to any other penalty provided in  any other law or enactment, is liable on  conviction to a fine not exceeding N10, 000,000.00.

PART V–JURISDICTION

Jurisdiction to try offences under this Act.

36.-(1) The High Court shall have jurisdiction to try offences, hear and determine proceedings arising under this Act.

(2)     Where any person is convicted of an offence under this Act, the Court in passing sentence shall, in addition to any punishment which the Court may impose in respect of the offence, order the forfeiture to the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund of any property, asset or fund with accrued interest, article, substance, device material or conveyance which has been used or facilitated the commission of the offence or the proceed of any unlawful activity under this Act.

(3)     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2) of this Section, the  penalty imposed  on  a person  convicted of an  offence  referred  to  in that subsection may be  reduced in  such  manner as  the Court deems fit where that person has, before any proceeding, made possible or facilitated the identification of other accused persons and their sponsors  or  who, after  the  commencement of the  proceedings,  has  made  possible  or facilitated  the  arrest of such  persons.

Adoption of measures to avoid delays.

37.-(1)  In  any  trial  for  an  offence  under this  Act,  the  Court  shall have  power, notwithstanding anything to the contrary  in  any other enactment, to adopt all legitimate measures that it may deem necessary to avoid  unnecessary delays and abuse in the conduct of proceedings.

(2)     Subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an application for stay of proceedings in respect of any criminal matter brought under this Act shall not be entertained.

PART   VI–FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

Funds of the Agency.

38. (1) There shall be established for the Agency a fund from which all expenses incurred by the Agency for the execution of its functions under this Act shall be paid.

(2)     There shall be credited to the Fund established under subsection (1) of this section-

(a)     budgetary allocations approved by the National Assembly for the purpose of the  Agency ;

(b)     such monies as may from time  to time  be lent, deposited with  or granted to the Agency by the Government of the Federation,  States or Local Governments;

(c)     grants, gifts or donations from international organizations and donor agencies;

(d)     charges, fees and other sums collected or received for services rendered by the Agency;  and

(e)     all other funds which may, from time to time, accrue to the Agency.

(3)     The Fund shall be managed in accordance with extant Financial Regulations applicable in the Public Service.

Expenditures of the Agency.

39. The Agency may, from time to time, apply the proceeds of the Fund for-

(a)     the cost of administration of the Agency;

(b)     the reimbursement of members of the Board or any Committee set up by the  Board  or the Agency  for  such  expenses  as may  be authorized in accordance with the rates approved by the Government of the Federation;

(c)     the payment of salaries, fees  and other remunerations  or allowances, payable to members of the  Board, employees, experts or professionals appointed by the Agency;

(d)     the maintenance of any property acquired or vested in the Agency; and

(e)     any matter connected with an or any of the functions of the  Agency under this Act.

Power to borrow and accept gifts.

40–(1) The Agency shall have power to borrow money from Banks on the recommendation of the Board and approval by the Minister of Finance.

(2)    The Agency may accept gifts of land, money or other property (whether within or outside Nigeria) provided that the terms and conditions of the gift are not contrary to the objectives and functions  of the Agency under this Act.

Accounts and Audit.

41.–(1) The Agency shall keep proper records and accounts of its—

(a)     receipts, payments, assets and  liabilities;  and

(b)     incomes and expenditure in a form which  conforms with existing laws on accounts and audit .

(2)     The Agency  shall submit the accounts  annually for auditing by a qualified  auditor from  the  list  of auditors and  in  accordance  with  the guidelines supplied by the Auditor-General for the Federation.

Annual Report.

42. The Agency shall, not later than 30th September in each year, submit to the President through the Minister, a report of its activities during the immediate preceding year and shall include in such report the audited accounts of the Agency.

PART   VII–SEARCH, ARREST AND SEIZURE

43. (1) An officer of the Agency or a duly authorized law enforcement officer may apply ex-parte to the Court for the issuance of a warrant for the purposes of conducting an investigation under this Act.

(2)     The Court may issue a warrant authorizing an officer of the Agency or any law enforcement officer to—

(a)     enter the  premises  or conveyance  specified or described  in  the warrant;

(b)     search the premises or conveyance and any person found therein; and

(c)     seize and retain any relevant  material  found  therein.

(3)     The Court shall not issue a warrant under subsection (2) of this Section unless the Court is satisfied that-

(a)     the warrant is sought to prevent the commission of an offence under this Act or to prevent the interference in an investigation  under this Act, or for the purpose of a trafficking in persons  investigation;

(b)     there are reasonable grounds  for believing  that there  is a person or material  on  the  premises or conveyance which may be relevant to the investigation; or

(c)     the person being sought is preparing to commit an offence under this Act.

Investigation or search without Warrant.

44. (1) Where in a case of verifiable urgency, or a life is threatened, or to prevent the commission of an offence provided under this Act, an application to the Court or to a Judge  in Chambers to obtain  a warrant would cause  delay that may be prejudicial to the maintenance of public safety or  order,  an officer of the Agency  or a law enforcement  officer may,  without  prejudice to the provisions  of section 43 of this Act or any other law with  the  assistance of such other officers as may be necessary and while  search  warrant is being sought  for-

(a)    enter and search any premises or place  if he has reason to suspect that, within those  premises,  place  or conveyance-

(i)      an  offence  under  this Act is  being  committed  or likely  to  be committed :

(ii)     there is  evidence  of the commission  of an  offence  under  this Act;  or

(iii)    there is an urgent need to prevent the commission of an offence under this Act:,

(b)     search any person or conveyance  found  on  any premises  or place which such officer is empowered to enter and search  under paragraph (a) of this subsection;

(c)     require information from and attendance of any person,  beneficiary or any person connected in any way in a matter under investigation:

(d)     inspect computer systems, recorded  information, electronic devices or accessories  or any such device  found  on  the  premises;

(e)     observe the carrying on of business  or professional  activities by any  person;

(f)      stop,  board  and  search any conveyance  where the  Agency or  its authorised officer has  reasons  to  suspect  that  there  is  evidence   of the commission or likelihood of the commission of an offence under this Act;

(g)     seize,  remove and detain anything which is, or contains or appears to him  to  be or to contain  or to  be likely  to  contain,  evidence of the commission  of an offence under this Act:  or

(h)     arrest, search and detain any person whom the officer reasonably suspects of having committed or likely to commit an offence under this Act.

(2)     Where a seizure is effected in the course of search or investigation under  this Act, a copy of the list of, and the articles, documents and other materials seized shall be made, duly endorsed  and  handed to the—

(a)     person on  whom the search is  made; or

(b)     owner of the  premises, place or conveyance seized.

(3)     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this Section, a woman shall only be searched by a woman.

(4)     Nothing in this section shall be construed as derogating from the lawful right of any person in defence of his person or property.

(5)     Any officer of the Agency or a duly authorized law enforcement officer who uses such force  as  may  be  reasonably necessary  for  any  purpose in accordance with this Act, shall not be liable in any criminal or civil  proceeding, for having, by the use of reasonable force, caused injury or death  to any  person or damage to or  loss  of any property.

Video recording and custody of records.

45.- (1) A video or other audio-visual recording may be made and kept in  respect of any person, conveyance or property detained under any provision  of this Act as may  be required  by the Agency.

(2)     Records in respect of any person, conveyance or property detained under any provision of this Act shall be kept in the custody of the Agency.

(3)     Subject to the provisions of the Evidence Act, a video recording and other forms of electronic evidence shall be admissible in evidence before any Court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria for offences under this Act.

(4)     In a trial for any offence under this Act, the Court may receive testimony by video-link or such electronic medium, provided the witness testifying by such means may be cross-examined.

Protection of informants and information.

46. Where a person volunteers to the Agency or an official of the Agency any information which may be useful in the investigation or prosecution  of an offence under this Act, the Agency shall take all reasonable measures  to  protect  the identity of that person and the information so volunteered shall be treated as confidential.

B

47.–  (1) The Court may, on a motion by or on behalf of the Minister,      Witness Agency or a law enforcement agency, protect a witness or other persons protection in any proceeding before it.

(2)     Where the  Court is satisfied that the life of the witness or any other person is in danger,  the  Court  may on its own,  take  such  measures as it  deems  necessary  and  expedient to keep  the  identity and address of the witness secret.

(3)     The measures which the court may take under subsection (1) of this section may include the-

(a)     holding of the  proceeding at a place  to be decided by the Court;

(b)     avoidance of the  mention of the  real name  and  address of the witness  in  its  orders, judgments  or records  of the  case,  which  are accessible to the public;   or

(c)     issuing of a direction for ensuring that the identity and address of the witness are  not disclosed.

(4)     The Court may also decide, in the public interest, that all or any of the proceedings pending before the Court shall not be published in any manner.

(5)     The Court may in the interest of public safety or order, exclude from proceedings for any offence under this Act, any person other than the parties and their legal representatives.

(6)     A person who contravenes an order or direction made under this section, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years.

PART VIII–ATTACHMENT AND FORFEITURE OF ASSETS

Forfeiture of Passport.

48. The passport of any Nigerian convicted of an offence under this Act shall be forfeited to the Federal Government, and such forfeited passport shall be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for appropriate action, and shall not be returned to that person unless the President directs otherwise, after the grant of a pardon on the exercise of prerogative of mercy under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Forfeiture of assets after Conviction.

49.–  (1) A person convicted of an offence under this Act shall forfeit to the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund-

(a)     all the asset and property which are the  subject of an interim attachment order of the Court after an attachment by the Agency  as specified in Section 55 of this Act;

(b)     any asset or property derived from any proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly not already disclose  in the Declaration of Assets  Form specified in  Form  of the Second Schedule to this Act or not subject  of an interim attachment order; and

(c)     any property or instrumentality used in any manner to commit or to facilitate the commission  of such offence not already disclosed  in  the Declaration of Assets Form or not subject of an Interim attachment order.

(2)     The court, in imposing a sentence on any person under  this Act shall  in addition to any other  sentence imposed  under this Act, order that the person  forfeits to the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund all properties described in  subsection (1) of this Section.

(3)     In this section, “proceeds” means any property derived or obtained, directly or indirectly, through the commission of an offence under this Act.

Foreign assets.

50. (1) Where it is established that any convicted person has assets Foreign or properties in a foreign country, acquired as a result of any of the offences assets under this Act, such assets or properties subject to  any  treaty  or arrangement with such foreign country, shall be forfeited to the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.

(2)     The Agency shall, through the Office of the Minister, ensure that the forfeited assets or properties are effectively transferred and vested in the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.

51.–(1) Any property—

(a)     whether real  or personal,  which   represents  the  gross  receipts which  a person obtains directly or indirectly as a result of the violation of this Act or which  is traceable to such  gross  receipts;  and

(b)      within Nigeria which represents the proceeds of an offence under the laws of a foreign country within  whose jurisdiction such offence or activity would  be punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year and which would  be punishable by imprisonment under this Act if such act or activity had occurred within Nigeria.

(2)     Without prejudice to the provisions of any other law permitting the forfeiture of property, the following shall also be subject to forfeiture under this Act and no proprietary right shall exist in them-

(a)     all means of conveyance, including vehicles or vessels which  are used or are intended for use to transport or, in any manner, facilitate trafficking of any person provided that a means of conveyance-

(i)      used by any person in the transaction of business as a common carrier shall not be forfeited under this section  unless it appears that the  owner or other person in charge of such means of conveyance was a consenting party or privy  to a violation of this Act;

(ii)     shall not be forfeited under this  section by reason of any act established by the  owner to  have  been committed  by  any  person other than that owner while such means of conveyance  was unlawfully  in the  possession of a person other than the owner in violation of the criminal  laws of Nigeria or any part thereof ;  and

(iii)    shall not be forfeited under this section to the  extent of an interest of an owner, by reason  of any act established by that  owner to have been committed without the  knowledge, consent or wilful connivance of that owner;

(b)     all  monies, negotiable  instruments,  securities or other things of value  furnished or intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for any violation of this Act or all proceeds traceable to such an exchange, and all monies, negotiable instruments and  securities  used  or intended to be used to facilitate any violation of this Act;  and

(c)     all real property, including any right, title and  interest (including any leasehold  interest)  in  the  whole  or any  piece  or parcel of land  and any  improvements or appurtenances which  are used  or intended to be used,  in  any  manner or part to commit or facilitate  the   commission  of an  offence  under  this  Act.

Seizure of property.

52.–  (1)  Seizure  of  any  property  subject  to  forfeiture  under  this Act may be effected  by the Agency  where the-

(a)     seizure is incidental to an arrest or  search;  or

(b)     property is  liable  to forfeiture  upon  process  issued  by the  Court following  an application  made  by the  Agency in  accordance with  the prescribed rules.

(2)     Whenever property is seized under any of the provisions of this Act, the Agency may-

(a)     place the  property under  seal  ;  or

(b)     remove the  property to a place designated  by the Agency .

(3)     Property taken or detained under this section shall be deemed to be in the custody of the Agency subject only to the order of the  Court.

Investigation of Assets and Properties of an arrested person.

53.–(1) Where a person  is  arrested or is  under  investigation  for an offence under this Act, the Agency shall immediately trace and attach all the  assets and properties of the  person acquired as a result of the  offence.

(2)     Where an asset or property of any person arrested under this Act is to be attached, the Agency shall apply to the Court for an interim attachment order subject to the provisions of section 55 of this Act.

Disclosure of Assets and Property by an arrested person.

Second schedule.

54.–(1) Where a person is arrested for committing an offence under this Act, it shall  be obligatory for the person to make  full disclosure of all his assets and properties by completing the Declaration of Assets Form as specified in Form 1 of the Second Schedule to this Act.

(2)     The disclosures made in the Declaration of Assets Form shall be investigated by the Agency.

(3)     Any person who-

(a)     knowingly fails to make full disclosure of his assets  and liabilities;

(b)     knowingly makes a declaration  that is false;  or

(c)     fails, neglects  or refuses to  make  a declaration  or furnish  any information required, in the Declaration  of Assets Form, commits  an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 2  years.

Interim attachment order after Seizure of Property.

55. Where   any  asset  or property  has  been  seized  by  the  Agency under  this Act,  the Agency  shall,  cause  an application  to be made  to the Court for an  interim attachment order and the Court shall,  if satisfied that there is a prima facie evidence that the  property concerned  is  liable to forfeiture,  make an  interim  attachment order.

Final Order of Forfeiture.

56. Where an  arrested person is convicted  of an  offence  under this Act,  the Agency  or any authorized officer shall apply to the Court for a final  order of forfeiture  of the  convicted  person ‘s assets and properties which  are-

(a)     already subject to an interim  attachment order;

(b)     derived from any proceeds the person obtained, directly or indirectly, as a  result of  such  offence  not already disclosed  in the Declaration of Assets Form and not subject to interim order; and

(c)     any property or instrumentality used in  any manner to commit or to facilitate the commission of such offence not already disclosed in the Declaration  of Assets Form.

Disposal of Forfeited Property.

57.–(1) A copy of final Court order forfeiting the asset and property of a person convicted under this Act shall be forwarded to the Agency.

(2)     Upon  receipt of the  final  court  order  under this  section,  the Director-General  shall take steps to dispose  of the property concerned by sale  or otherwise  and  where the  property is  sold,  the  proceeds  shall  be paid  into the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.

(3)     Where any part of the property included in the final court order is money  in a bank or any  financial  institution or in the possession of any person, the  Agency shall cause  a copy  of the  order to  be produced and served  on  the  manager or any person in  control of the head office or branch of the bank concerned and that manager or person shall pay over the  money to the Agency and the Agency shall pay the money received into the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.

(4)     The Minister may make rules, guidelines or regulations for assets forfeiture, disposal and management under this Act.

Offences in relation to Forfeiture Orders.

58.–(1)  A person  who,  without due authorization by the Agency, deals  with, sells  or otherwise  disposes  of any property  or asset  which  is the  subject  of attachment, seizure, interim attachment order or final forfeiture  order;  commits  an  offence  and  is  liable  on  conviction  to imprisonment for a term of 5 years  without an option  of fine.

(2)     Any manager or person in control of the head office or branch of a bank or other financial institution who fails to pay over any money to the Agency upon the production of a final forfeiture order commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 1 year without  an option of fine.

Consequences of an acquittal in respect of confiscated Assets and Property.

59. (1) Where a person is discharged or acquitted  by a Court of an offence  under this  Act, the  Court  may  make  an order of revocation or confirmation, as the case  may be, of an  interim attachment order made under this Act whichever order is considered just, appropriate or reasonable within the circumstances.

(2)     The property may be attached where a discharge is merely given on technical grounds.

(3)     Where an interim order is revoked by a Court under subsection (1) of this section, all assets and properties of the person concerned shall be released by the Agency.

Freezing Order on Banks or other Financial Institutions.

60.–( 1) Notwithstanding anything contained  in any other enactment, where a person  is arrested  or under investigation for an offence under this Act, the Director-General may,  if satisfied  that the money  in the account of an arrested person is made through the commission of an offence under this  Act,  apply  to the  High  Court  ex parte  for an  order  authorizing the Agency to issue or instruct a bank examiner or such other appropriate regulatory authority to issue an order as specified in Form 2 of the Second Schedule to this Act, addressed to the authority of the  bank or financial institution  where the account  is  or believed  to be domiciled or the head office of the bank or other financial  institution, to freeze the account.

(2)     The Director-General or bank examiner may, by an order issued under subsection (1) of this section or by any subsequent order, direct the bank or other financial institution to supply any information and produce books and documents relating to the account and to stop all outward payments, operations or transactions (including any bill of exchange) in respect of the account of the arrested person or a person under investigation .

(3)     The manager or any other person in control of the bank or a financial institution shall take necessary steps to comply with the requirements of the order made under subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

(4)     In this section—

(a)     “bank”   has  the  meaning   given  to  it  in  the  Banks  and  Other Financial Institutions Act, CAP 83, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004  as amended  ;  and

(b)     “order”  refers to any order, direction or requirement addressed to the manager  of a bank or any other officer of a bank which directs or purports to direct the manager or such officer to stop all outward payment, operations or transactions in  respect of any account  with that  bank.

PART   IX–TREATMENT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS

Treatment of Trafficked persons.

61. The Agency shall ensure that-

(a)     a trafficked  person is not subjected to discriminatory treatment on account  of race, colour, gender, sex, age, language, religion, political or other opinion, cultural beliefs or practices, national, ethnic or social origin,  property, birth or other status, including his status as a victim of trafficking or having worked in the sex industry;

(b)     a trafficked person has access to adequate health and other social services during the period  of temporary residence;

(c)     a trafficked  person  has  access  to the  embassy  or,  consulate of the  country  of which  he is a citizen or, where there is no embassy  or consulate, has  access  to the diplomatic representative of the State that takes  charge of the country’s  interest or any national to protect him ;

(d)     a trafficked person is able to return home safely, if he wishes and when  he is able to do so ;

(e)     a trafficked person is not denied temporary  residence  visas during the pendency of any criminal, civil or other legal action;

(f)      investigation, detection, gathering and interpretation of evidence are conducted  in such a manner as to minimize intrusion into the personal history  of a trafficked  person;

(g)     the identity of a person trafficked is protected;

(h)     the use of any person’s history of being trafficked to discriminate or  cause  harm to such person, his family or his friends in any way whatsoever, particularly with regards to freedom of movement, marriage or search for gainful employment is prohibited;

(i)      it takes steps to maintain and rehabilitate facilities provided for trafficked  persons;  and

(j)      a trafficked person and his family are protected from intimidation, threats, and reprisals from traffickers and their associates including reprisals from persons in  position of authority,

Non-detention or prosecution of a trafficked person in certain circumstance.

62. Where the circumstances so justify,  trafficked  persons shall  not be  detained   or  prosecuted  for  offences  re lat in g to  being  a  victim   of trafficking,  including non-possession of valid  travel  documents,  use of a false travel  or other document.

Rights of a victim to information.

63. A victim of trafficking in person shall be provided with—

(a)     information on relevant Court and administrative proceedings;

(b)     assistance to enable the victim’s views and concerns to be presented and considered at appropriate stages of criminal  proceedings against  the traffickers;  and

(c)     counselling and  information as regards victim’s legal rights in a                       language that the victim can understand.

Establishment of Transit Shelter.

64. (1) There shall be established for the Agency Transit Shelters which shall be managed and supervised as homes to cater for rescued trafficked persons particularly women and children.

(2)     The Transit Shelters shall be run by staff of the Agency with the aim of providing protection, assistance, counseling, rehabilitation and training for the rescued victims to facilitate their reintegration into the society.

Right to compensation or restitution.

65. (1) A trafficked person, irrespective  of his immigration  status is entitled to compensation, restitution and recovery for economic, physical and psychological damages which shall be assessed and paid out of forfeited assets of the  convicted trafficker.

(2)     Where an offender is convicted of an offence under this Act, the Court may order the offender to pay compensation to the victim, in addition to any other punishment ordered by the Court.

(3)     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a trafficked person has the right to institute civil action against a trafficker and any other person including a public officer who may have exploited or abused his person provided that the amount awarded by the Criminal Court shall be taken into consideration in the determination of the amount of compensation to be awarded in the civil suit.

Application of certain enactments.

66. The President may, by order published in the Gazette, extend the provisions of the—

(a)     Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters within the Commonwealth (Enhancement and Enforcement) Act; and

(b)     Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enhancement and Enforcement) Act, to apply to any country outside the Commonwealth and accordingly the provisions of the Acts mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall have effect in their application to this Act.

PART X–VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING TRUST FUND

Establishment of Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.

67.–(1) There is established for the Agency a Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund (in this Act referred to as “the Trust Fund”), into which shall be paid-

(a)     any take-off grant  and  special  intervention  funds  as  may  be provided  by the Federal Government;

(b)     Such moneys as may be appropriated to meet the objectives of the Trust Fund by the National Assembly;

(c)     proceeds of the sale  of assets and  properties  derived  from  acts which constitute  an  offence  under this Act;

(d)     aids, grants, gifts, bequests,  endowments, donations or assistance from bilateral and multi-lateral international agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations,  other donor agencies,  partners  and the private  sector:

(e)     any other money  which may accrue to the Trust Fund  from  time to time.

(2)     The sources of monies  referred  to in   paragraph  (d) of sub-section (1) of this section  shall  be acceptable  to the Trust Fund by the Agency except where  the  terms  and  conditions attached to  the  aid,  grant, gift, bequest, endowment or assistance are inconsistent with the objective of the Trust Fund or the  provisions  of this Act.

(3)     The Minister shall make regulations and issue guidelines for the management of the Fund established under sub-section (1) of this section and related matters,

(4) The Trust Fund shall be utilized—

(a)     to pay compensation, restitution and damages to trafficked persons;  and

(b)     to fund victim support services for trafficked persons.

Establishment of the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund Committee.

68. (1) There  is  established  for the  Trust  Fund,  the  Victims  of Trafficking Trust Fund Committee (in this Act referred to as ‘the Trust Fund Committee’) which  shall  be constituted by the Minister subject to the provisions of this Act.

(2)     The Committee shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, administer and have general control over the management of the Trust Fund.

(3)     The membership of the Trust Fund Committee shall consist of—

(a)     the Minister who shall  be the Chairman;

(b)     Director-General of the Agency;

(c)     a representative of each of the following Federal Ministries and agencies—

(i)      Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; and

(ii)     National Directorate of Employment;

(d)     a representative of Non-Governmental Organizations whose  focus is on the eradication of trafficking in persons and other related matters.

(4)     The Trust Fund Committee shall be responsible for–

(a)     managing all  monies,  aids,  grants, gifts,  bequests, endowments, donations or assistance accruing to the Fund;

(b)     soliciting for funds for the Trust  Fund;

(c)     approving monies from the Trust Fund to such victims of trafficking on criteria approved by the Committee :

Provided that where it is expedient, and  subject to  the  approval of the Minister, the  Director-General shall  have  power to disburse monies, not exceeding N500,000.00 to a victim;

(5)     Subject to the provisions of sub-section (6) of this Section, a member of the Committee shall hold office for a term of 3 years in the first instance and may be eligible for reappointment for another term of 3 years and no more.

(6)     A member of the Trust Fund Committee shall cease to hold office if he—

(a)     resigns his appointment by notice  in writing;

(b)     becomes of unsound mind;

(c)     becomes bankrupt or makes  compromise with his creditors;

(d)     is convicted of a felony or any offence involving dishonesty; or

(e)     is guilty of misconduct in relation to his duties.

(7)     The Trust Fund Committee—

(a)     shall meet at least twice  in a year and on such other occasions as       it  may consider necessary;

(b)     may make rules and standing  orders  to regulate  its  proceedings or those of  its Committee;

(c)     may co-opt any person to assist it in carrying out its assignments under this Act,  but a co-opted  member shall not have the right to vote at Trust Fund Committee ‘s meetings; and

(d)     may appoint one or more sub-committees to carry out its functions on  its  behalf.

PART XI–MUTUAL  LEGAL  ASSISTANCE, EXCHANGE OF INFORMTION AND EXTRADITION

Requests from Foreign States.

69.-(1) A foreign State may make a request to the Minister for assistance in the investigation and prosecution of offences under this Act.

(2)     A copy of such request shall be furnished to the Agency.

(3)     Where a foreign State makes a request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of an offence relating to trafficking in persons, the Minister may, after due consideration-

(a)     execute the request;  or

(b)     inform the requesting State of any reason for—

(i)      not executing the request; or

(ii)     delaying the execution of the request.

(4)     Where the Minister decides to execute a request for assistance under sub-section (1) of this Section, and directs the Agency to so act, the Agency may apply for-

(a)     an order for the Agency to—

(i)      enter and search  specified  premises  or conveyance;

(ii)     search any specified  person; or

(iii)    remove any relevant  document or material;

(b)     a seizure order;

(c)     a property tracing order;

(d)     an interception of communication order; or

(e)     an order for freezing or forfeiture of property or funds in such manner as may be prescribed by the Court  or Judge in Chambers.

(5)     The Court or Judge in Chambers, in making an order under sub-section  (4)  of this  Section,  may impose such conditions as to payment of debts,  sale, compensation  of victims, transfer or disposal  of any property as the  Court  deems  fit.

(6)     Where a prima facie case is established  on the  basis of the  request from  a  foreign  State,  the  Minister shall  file  a request  for  an  order of forfeiture of all funds or properties used, being used or intended to be used for the commission  of an offence  under this Act and  the Court shall  grant or reject the application  for  an  order  of forfeiture  after  hearing  from  all parties,  including a bona fide third  party.

70. (1) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Agency, make a request to any foreign State for-

(a)     for evidence or information relevant to an offence under this Act; or

(b)     the restraint and forfeiture of any fund or property located in   that foreign State and which is liable to be forfeited for being a fund, property or other assets belonging to, in possession or under the control of, a person suspected to have committed an offence or convicted of an offence that is used, being used or intended to be used for the commission.

(2)     The Minister may,  in  respect of any proceeding for an offence, under this Act, apply to the Court or to a Judge in  Chambers for an order directed  to any  person resident  in a foreign  State to-

(a)     deliver himself or any document or material  in his  possession  or under his control to the jurisdiction of the Court; or

(b)     subject to the approval of the  foreign  State, deliver himself to the jurisdiction  of the Court  of the  foreign  State for the  purpose  of giving evidence in  relation to those proceedings.

Evidence pursuant to a request.

71. (1) The  evidence  taken  under section 70  of this Act, in   any proceeding  in a Court of a foreign  State, may,  if it  is authenticated,  be admissible  in any proceeding to which such evidence relates provided that the circumstances and method of collecting the evidence is normally acceptable to Nigeria.

(2)     For the purpose of sub-section (1) of this section, a document is authenticated if it is—

(a)     signed or certified  by a Judge  or Magistrate  of the foreign State;

(b)     authenticated by the oath or affirmation  of a witness;  or

(c)     sealed with an official or public  seal–

(i)      of a Ministry or Department of the Government of the  foreign State,  or

(ii)     in the case of a territory, protectorate or colony, of the  person administering the Government of the foreign  territory,  protectorate or colony or a department  of that territory, protectorate or colony.

Form of request.

72.–(1)  A request under this Part of this Act shall  be in writing,  Form of  dated  and  signed  by or on behalf of the  person making  the  request.

(2)     A  request  may  be  transmitted  by  facsimile  or  by  any other electron  device  or means.

(3)     A   request shall—

(a)     confirm  either that an investigation or prosecution is being conducted in respect of a suspected offence of  trafficking or an  act related to trafficking or that  a person has been convicted of an offence of trafficking or act related to trafficking;

(b)     state the grounds on which any person is being investigated or prosecuted for  an  offence  related  to  trafficking  or details  of the conviction of the person;

(c)     give sufficient particulars of the identity of the person;

(d)     give sufficient particulars to identify  any  financial institution or                          designated  non-financial  institution  or other persons  believed  to have information, documents or materials which may be of assistance to the investigation or prosecution;

(e)     specify the manner in which and to whom any information, document or material  obtained  pursuant to the request is to be produced;

(f)      specify the information,  document  or material to be obtained from a financial Institution or designated non-financial institution or any person which  may assist the  investigation or prosecution;

(g)     state whether –             .                .

(i)      a freezing or forfeiture order is required; or

(ii)     the property may be made the subject of such an order;  and

(h)     contain such other information as may assist  in the execution of the  request.

(4)     A request  shall not be invalidated for the purposes of this Act or any legal proceeding by failure to comply with the provisions of sub-section (3) of this Section where the Minister  is satisfied that there is sufficient compliance to enable  him execute the request.

(5)     The Minister of finance shall, on the advice of the Minister where he considers it appropriate, either because an international arrangement so requires or permits or it is in the public interest may after deducting the cost incurred for actions taken in Nigeria, order that any part of any property forfeited under this Act or the value thereof, be returned or remitted to the requesting State.

(6)     Where the whole or any part of the forfeited property, or the value thereof is retained in Nigeria, it shall be paid into the Victims Trust Fund.

Extradition.

73.–(1) Offences under this Act are considered to be extraditable crimes for which extradition may be requested, granted or obtained under the Extradition Act.                                                  .

(2)     Notwithstanding the  provisions of sub-section (1) of this Section, no  person shall  be extradited under this  Act, where the  Government has substantial grounds for believing that a request  for extradition for an offence has  been  made  for the  purpose of prosecuting or  punishing a person on account of that person’s race, religion, nationality, ethnic  origin or political opinion or that compliance with the request would cause  prejudice to that person’s position for any of these reasons.

74.–(1)  The  Agency may, with the  approval of the  Minister, on a request made  by the  appropriate authority  of a foreign  state,  disclose to that authority any  information in its possession or any  other government department relating to-

(a)     the actions or movements of human  trafficking organised criminal groups or persons suspected of involvement in the  preparation or the commission of human  trafficking acts;

(b)     the use of forged or falsified travel  papers  by persons  suspected  of involvement in the preparation or the commission of human trafficking acts; or

(c)     the use  of communication  technologies by  human trafficking organised criminal groups.

(2)     Where the Agency  considers that there are no means  or conditions under  which  the  information,  documents or evidence  requested  could  be provided, disclosed or given without prejudice to the national security of Nigeria, the Agency  may refuse  the request  for the production of such  document or the disclosure of such evidence or refuse the authorization of the  production of such document or the disclosure of such  information  and shall  notify  the requesting Authority of the reasons  for doing  so, unless the specification  of those reasons  would in itself be, in the opinion of the Agency, prejudicial to the national  security of Nigeria.

PART XII—MISCELLANEOUS

Power of the Minister to give directives of general character to the Agency.

75.–(1) The Minister may, from  time  to time,  give  general policy guidelines to the Agency.

(2)     Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1) of this Section, the Minister may give to the Agency directives of a general or specific nature relating generally to a particular matter or case, as the case may be.

(3)     The Agency shall comply with any policy guidelines or any directive given to it by the Minister under sub-section (1) or (2) of this Section.

Power to make Regulation.

76.-(1) The Minister may make rules or regulations with respect to the exercise of any of the duties, functions or, powers of the Agency under this Act,

(2)     The contravention of any regulation issued under any of the provisions of this Act shall constitute an offence and shall be punishable as prescribed in the particular regulation.

(3)     The Agency  may,  with  the approval  of  the  Minister,  make regulations as it deems  necessary or expedient for giving  full effect to the provisions of this Act.

Pre-action Notice.

77. (1) No civil action shall be commenced against the Agency or its authorised officers before the expiration of a period of 30 days after written notice of intention to commence the suit shall have been served on the  Agency by the intending plaintiff or  his agent, and the notice   shall clearly state the-

(a)     cause of action;

(b)     particulars of the claim;

(c)     name and place of abode  of the  intending plaintiff;   and

(d)     relief sought.

(2)     The  notice  referred  to in  sub-section  (1)  of this  Section  and  any summons, or other documents required or authorized to be served  on the Agency under this Act or any other enactment or law, may be served by-

(a)     delivering it to the Agency; or

(b)     sending it by registered mail to the postal  address of the Agency.

Restriction on execution against property of the Agency.

78. In any action or suit against the Agency, no execution shall be levied or attachment process issued against the Agency unless at least three months notice of the intention to execute or attach has been given to the Agency.

Indemnity of officers of the Agency.

79. A member of the Board,  Director-General,  officer  on  employee of the Agency shall be indemnified out of the  assets of the Agency against any proceeding brought against  him in his capacity as a member of the Board, Director-General,  officer  or employee of the Agency  where the act complained of is  not ultra vires his  powers.

Repeal and Savings Provision.

80.-(1) The Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 as amended is hereby repealed.

(2)     Without prejudice  to section  6 of the  Interpretation Act, the repeal of the  Act specified  in  sub-section  (1) of this  Section,  shall  not affect anything done  under the Act.

(3)     Every regulation, order, requirement, certificate, notice, direction, decision, authorization, consent, application, request  or things made, issued, given or done under the repealed Act shall,  if in  force at the commencement of this Act, continue to  be  in  force and  have  effect as  if made,  issued, given or done  under the corresponding provisions  of this Act.

(4)     All  assets,  funds,  resources and  other  movable  and  immovable property which, immediately before the commencement of this Act vested  in the former Agency shall, by virtue of this Act and without further assurance, be vested in the Agency established under section 2 of this Act.

(5)     Every reference to the former Agency, Board, Minister, Executive Secretary, Board Chairman or any person  under their control or a document issued  in  the  name  of the former Agency, Board,  Minister,  Executive Secretary, Chairman of the former Board or employee of the former Agency shall be read, unless the context otherwise requires, as a reference to the Agency, Minister, Board,  Director-General, Chairman, or an employee of the Agency established  under  this Act, as the  case  may  be.

Transitional Provisions.

81.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Executive Secretary of the Agency established under the repealed Act is deemed to have been transferred to the Agency established under this  Act under the same conditions as Director-General.

(2)     Any  person  who  immediately  before  the commencement of this Act was a staff of the Agency established under the repealed Act shall continue in office  and be deemed to have been appointed under this Act for purposes of pension.

(3)     Properties  held  immediately  before  the  commencement  date  of this Act on behalf of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons by any person shall, by virtue of this Act, be vested in the Agency established under this Act.

(4)     The Agency established in  section  2 of this Act shall  be subject to all the obligations and liabilities to which the former National Agency for the Prohibition  of Traffic  in  Persons  was  subject  immediately  before  the commencement of this Act and all other persons shall  have the same rights, powers and remedies against the Agency established  by this Act as they had against the Agency  immediately before the commencement of this Act.

(5)     Any proceeding or cause of action pending or existing immediately before the commencement of this Act by or against the Agency established under the repealed  Act in respect of any right, interest, obligation or liability of the Agency may be continued  or commenced,  as the case  may  be, and any determination of a court of law, tribunal or other commission or person may  be enforced  by or against  the Agency  established  by this Act to the same  extent that such  proceeding, cause of action or determination  might have  been  continued,  commenced  or enforced  by or against the Agency as if this Act  had  not  been made.

(6)     As from the commencement of this Act, any disciplinary proceeding pending or existing against any employee of the Agency shall be continued and completed by the Agency established under this Act.

Interpretation.

82. In this Act-

“Agency”  means  the National  Agency  for  the   Prohibition of Trafficking  in  Persons established  under  section  2 of this Act;

“Assets” means items of ownership  convertible into  cash,  total resources of person or business, as cash,  notes and accounts receivable, securities,  inventories, goodwill, fixtures, machinery or real estate;

“attachment” includes forfeiture or the permanent deprivation of property by order of a Court;

“brothel” includes any enclosure, house, premises, hotel, restaurant, drinking place, vessel, stationary or moving receptacle where a person offers the body commonly for acts of lewdness and sexual  gratification;

“child” means  a person  under the age of 18  years;

“commercial carriers” means  any  person  or any  public, private  or other entity engaged in transporting persons, goods  or mails  for remuneration,  hire or any other benefit;

“Director-General” means the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency appointed  under  Section  8 (1) of this Act;

“export”  with its  grammatical  variations  and  cognate  expressions means  to take  or cause  to be taken out  of Nigeria;

“exploitation”  includes,  at  a  minimum,  the  exploitation  of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, deprivation of the  offspring of any person,  forced  labour or services or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal  of organs;

“exploitative  labour”  includes  the  use  of a child’s  labour  for  the monetary,  commercial  or  economic   interest  of the  recruiter  and  the receiver;

“financial or  other material benefit”  includes  any type  of financial or non-financial  inducement,  payment,  bribe,  reward, advantage or service (including sexual or other services);

“Freezing” means  temporarily  prohibiting  the  transfer,  conversion, disposal  or movement  of money  or  assets  or temporarily  assuming custody  or control of money or assets;

“force” or “coercion” includes obtaining or maintaining through act of threat the  labour, service, or other activities of a person by physical, legal, psychological or mental coercion, or abuse of authority;

“grievous harm”  means  any  harm  which  amounts  to  a  maim  or dangerous harm or which  seriously or permanently injures health, or which   is  likely  so to  injure  health,  or which  extends to  permanent disfigurement or to any permanent or serious  injury to any external  or internal organ, member  or sense;

“High Court” means  Federal  High Court,  the High Court of a State or the High Court  of the Federal  Capital Territory;

“import” with  its grammatical variation  and  cognate expressions means to bring or cause  to be brought  into Nigeria;

“Minister” means the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice;

“person” means  a natural  person and a legal entity;

“President” means the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

“sexual exploitation”  means  the  participation  by  a  person  in prostitution, sexual servitude, or the production of pornographic  materials as a result of being  subjected to a threat, coercion, abduction, force, abuse  of authority, debt  bondage  or fraud ;

“slave” means a person who  is held in bondage whose life, liberty, freedom  and  property are under absolute control  of someone;

“smuggling of persons” means  arranging  or assisting  a  person’s illegal entry into any country of which  the  person  is not a citizen or permanent resident, including Nigeria, either knowing or being reckless as to the fact that the person’s entry  is illegal,  in order to obtain a financial or other material  benefit;

“trafficking or traffic in persons” means the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means  of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion , abduction, fraud, deception, the abuse of power of a position of vulnerability or the giving  or receiving of payments  or  benefits to  achieve the  consent  of a person  having  control over  another person or debt bondage for the purpose of placing or holding the person whether for or not in  involuntary servitude (domestic, sexual or reproductive) in forced or bonded  labour, or in slavery-like conditions, the removal  of organs  or generally  for exploitative purposes;

“trafficked person” means  a victim  of trafficking in persons;

“trafficker” includes a person or an  entity that commits or is in the process of committing, a ids, abets, facilitates or acquiesces to an act of trafficking in persons;

“transit shelter” means shelter established by the Agency for the purpose of receiving, caring for, rehabilitating and re-integrating into society, victims of human trafficking;

“Trust Fund” means the Victims Trust Fund established under section 67 (1) of this Act;

“Trust Fund Committee” means the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund Committee established under section 68 (1) of this Act; and

“victim” means a victim of trafficking in persons.

Citation.

83. This Act may be cited as the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition)  Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

FIRST SCHEDULE – Section  3(4)

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE BOARD, ETC.

Proceedings

(1)     The Board shall, for the purpose of this Act, meet at least three times in each year.

(2)     Every meeting of the Board shall be presided over by the Chairman, and if the Chairman is unable to attend any particular meeting, a member may be appointed by the members present to act as Chairman for that particular meeting.

(3)     A quorum at a meeting of the Board shall be one-third.

(4)     The  Board shall  meet whenever it is summoned by the Chairman, and  if the Chairman  is required to do so by notice given to him by at least five  members,  he shall  summon  a meeting of the Board to be held within 14  days  from the date on  which  the notice  is given.

(5)     Where the Board desires to obtain the advice of any person on a particular matter, the Board may co-opt  him to the Board for such  period as it deems fit but a person who is a member by virtue of this sub-paragraph shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting  of the Board and shall not count  towards a quorum.

Committees

(1)     The Board may appoint one or more Committees to carry out, on behalf of the Board, its functions under this Act as the Board may determine.

(2)     A Committee appointed under this paragraph shall consist of such number  of persons (not necessarily members of the Board as may be determined by the Board) and a person other than  a member of the  Board shall  hold  office  in  the Committee in accordance with the terms of his appointment.

(3)     A decision of a Committee of the Board shall be of no effect until it is confirmed by the Board.

Miscellaneous

(1)     The fixing of the seal of the Agency shall  be authenticated by the signature  of the  Chairman,  Secretary  or any  other  person  authorized generally or specifically to act for that purpose  by the Board.

(2)     Any contract or instrument, which if made or executed by a person not being  a body corporate, would  not be required  to be under seal,  may be made or executed on behalf of the  Board  by the Chairman,  Secretary or any person generally or specifically authorized  to act for the purpose by the Board.

(3)     Any document purporting to be a document duly executed under the seal  of the  Board  shall  be received  in  evidence  and shall,  unless  the contrary is  proved,  be presumed  to be so executed.

SECOND  SCHEDULE       

Section 49 (1)(b) and  54  (2)

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (PROl1IBITION) ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ACT, 2015

DECLARATION OF ASSETS FORM

To be completed in TRIPLICATE and in BLOCK LETTERS or typed.

All available information should be included

IMPORTANT:  it is an offence punishable by 10 years imprisonment under the Act –

1. (i)      knowingly fail to make full disclosure of your assets and liabilities.

(ii)     knowingly make a declaration that  is false.

(iii)    fail, to answer any question  contained in this  Form.

(iv)    fail, neglect  or refuse to  make  a declaration  or  furnish  any information required,

1. (i) Each item to be completed. If it does not apply, the person affected must write “nil” or ‘‘none’’ in the space. Where necessary an extra sheet or sheets  may be used and  attached to this  form  by the person affected.

(ii)     To  the   Director-General  of  the  NATIONAL  AGENCY  FOR  THE         PROHIBITION  OF   TRAFFICKING  IN  PERSONS   AND  OTHER   RELATED   MATTERS (NAPTIP)

l, ……………………………………. ……………………being accused of an offence

…………………………………………. under the TRAFFICKING  IN  PERSONS (PROHIBITION) LAW  ENFORCEMENT  AND ADMINISTRATION ACT, 20)5.

11. Amount held in own account:

(i)      Cash in hand………………………………… ………………………………

(ii)     Cash at Bank……………………………………………………………..

(iii)    Outside Nigeria (Countries Banks to be named).

12. Amount held on behalf of or as trustee for any person other than your wife/husband  :

(i)      Cash in hand……………………………………………………………….

(ii)     Cash at Bank…………………………………………………………………

(iii)    Outside Nigeria (Countries Bankers to be named).

13. Loans or advances made.
14. Loans and advances received.
15. Amount held on behalf of or as trustee of wife/husband:

(i)      Cash in hand……………………………………………………………………

(ii)     Cash at Bank……………………………………………………………….

(iii)    Outside Nigeria (Countries Bankers to be named)

16. Government securities, including premium bonds and other interests held in companies, firms or partnerships (giving names of companies firm and partnerships):

(a)     by you (here  state the  bonds,  etc.)

(b)     by wife (wives) husband  (here  state the bonds, etc.)

(c)     by children (here  state the bonds,  etc.)

17. Property in Nigeria in which you are interested in giving date when required.

(i)      Land;

(ii)     Building;

(iii)    Other property (if any).

18. Property in Nigeria in which any wife/husband is interested in giving date when required.

(i)      Land;

(ii)     Building;

(iii)    Other property (if any).

19. Property outside in which any wife/husband is interested in giving date when required.

(i)      Land;

(ii)     Building;

(iii)    Other property (if any).

*****************************(20 missing)************************

21. Property outside Nigeria in which any child of yours is interested in giving due date when required.

(i)      Land;

(ii)     Building;

(iii)    Other property, (if any).

22. Names of other dependent relatives-

Estate in which you are interested as trustee or beneficially interested

(i)      Cash in hand;

(ii)     Building;

(iii)    Land;

(iv)    Buildings;

(v)     Other property, (if any).

………………………………………………………………

Signature of Defendant

………………………………………………………………

Signature and Address of Witness

FORM    2

FREEZING ORDER

Section ……………………….                       .

(This form may be amended according to circumstances)

1. To the Manager ………………………………………………………………                                                                                  (Here insert  name and branch of Banks)

Under the authority conferred on me by section……………………………                                   of the TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (PROHIBTION) ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ACT, 2015 you are hereby ordered—

(a)     To supply the following information relating to the under mentioned accounts, that is to say………………………………………………………. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………………..

(b)     To produce the books and documents relating to the under mentioned accounts, that is to say………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………………..                                                                          (Here set out the books and documents to be produced in respect of named accounts)

(c)    To stop all onward payments, operations or transactions (including   bills of exchange) as far as possible in the ordinary course of banking in respect of the following accounts……………………………………………….. ………………………….. …………………………. ……………………………                                                                                                     (Here indicate the accounts)

2. This order shall cease to have effect after the day of 20……………………. Unless sooner…………………………..  revoked by the President.

DATED this ………..Day of …………………………..20……………………….

………………………………………………

Director-General/Bank Examiner

ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO THE LAWS OF NIGERIA (UPDATED)

Heading

LAWS MADE BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA [BY YEARS]