South African Court Upholds 18-Year Sentence For Nigerian Human Trafficker.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has upheld an 18-year prison sentence for Chinedu Justice Obasi, a Nigerian national convicted of human trafficking and fraudulent marriage. The ruling, delivered on 27 August 2025, reaffirms the court’s commitment to combating modern-day slavery and exploitation in South Africa.
Obasi, alongside his co-defendant Obioma Benjamin Abba, was initially convicted in December 2017 and sentenced in September 2018. Obasi received an 18-year term for two counts of human trafficking and one count of violating South Africa’s Immigration Act by entering a sham marriage to secure residency. Abba was sentenced to 12 years for his role in the crimes. Court documents revealed that between April and September 2016, Obasi harboured two women, identified as Busisiwe and Puleng, in a Pretoria flat, where he forced them into prostitution, confiscated their earnings, and supplied them with drugs to maintain control over their movements.
Dissatisfied with the verdict, Obasi appealed, arguing that the trial court overlooked his evidence and personal circumstances. However, Judge Graham Moshoana dismissed the appeal, noting that Obasi did not testify during the trial and that the evidence clearly demonstrated exploitation. Describing the case as a stark example of modern-day slavery, Moshoana highlighted how human trafficking thrives on vulnerabilities such as poverty, lack of education, and desperation. “Victims are often abused, confused, and disoriented,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the crime.
The court heard that Busisiwe, one of the victims, had moved to Pretoria after family issues and was lured into Ob crusadeasi’s control through a former relationship. Puleng, the second victim, met Obasi through similar circumstances and was coerced into prostitution to cover lodging and drug costs. Both women were kept under constant surveillance, their movements tightly controlled by Obasi and his associates.
The ruling has been welcomed by anti-trafficking advocates, who see it as a strong message against those exploiting vulnerable individuals. South Africa’s Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2013, which carries penalties of up to life imprisonment, continues to provide a robust framework for prosecuting such crimes. The case also highlights ongoing efforts by the South African government to address human trafficking, with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation initiating 29 trafficking cases in recent years.
As Obasi continues to serve his sentence, the court’s decision reinforces South Africa’s resolve to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The case serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in tackling human trafficking and the need for continued vigilance to safeguard the nation’s most vulnerable.
