A Nigerian court has granted conditional bail to a woman accused of human trafficking due to her pregnancy, while ordering her husband—charged alongside her—to remain in detention.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, delivered the decision on Wednesday in a case involving alleged cross-border trafficking of a young girl to Burkina Faso for forced prostitution.
Justice Nyako ruled that while the offence was of a grave nature, Mrs Veronica Ekeh’s medical condition warranted leniency. She was released on ₦10 million bail with two sureties required to match the amount. One surety must be resident in Abuja and possess verifiable employment.
“She must not leave the Federal Capital Territory without express permission from this court,” the judge added, setting the next hearing for 26 June.
Mrs Ekeh’s husband, who is jointly charged, was denied bail and ordered to be remanded in prison.
The defence lawyer, Mr J. Obanwudeh, had appealed for bail on “liberal terms,” citing the need for the defendants to properly prepare for their trial. He reminded the court that bail is a constitutional right.
However, the prosecution, led by H.M. Esa, objected, citing concerns for the safety of a key witness—reportedly a neighbour of the accused. Esa argued that releasing both defendants could jeopardise the witness and obstruct the course of justice.
The case underscores the challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in addressing human trafficking, particularly as many cases involve complex transnational networks operating across West Africa.
