THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has suspended its Chief Transport Officer attached to Uyo Zonal Office in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Akwaowo Jonah Emmanuel for alleged sexual violations and exploitation of female suspects.
News Point Nigeria reports that Emmanuel was suspended without pay over accusations of sexual violations and exploitation of female suspects, including minors retrieved on transit and kept in the agency’s custody pending conclusion of investigation.
The suspended official accused of promising freedom for female suspects in custody if they agree to his sexual advances.
The agency said the suspension followed a report of the interim committee set up by the management to investigate the allegations against Mr. Emmanuel.
However, it said final decision of the Senior Staff Committee deliberating on the matter, would determine the fate of the official in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules.
The Commission’s decision was contained in a letter referenced NAPTIP/PwP/462/T1 titled; “Update and Proactive Response by the Management of the NAPTIP on the Allege Sexual Harassment of Victim by Mr. Jonah Akwaowo Emmanuel”, dated February 10, 2025, and made available to LEADERSHIP in Uyo by its Press Officer, Mr. Vincent Adekoye.
It reads: “That the attention of NAPTIP, has been drawn to the above incident and the various inquiries by the media partners on the matter.
“That I am directed to point out that due to the Director General, Binta Adamu Bello’s zero tolerance to such behavior that constitutes gross misconduct by any officer, the agency promptly reacted and below are the updates on the matter.
“The officer in question was on January 16, 2025 issued a query.
“A panel of inquiry comprising of officers of the Command, was constituted to investigate the matter thoroughly. The panel had several sessions during which all parties involved were invited. It interrogated the officer involved, took testimonies from victims as well as other relevant persons, and submitted a report to the Headquarters as directed.
“Based on the report of the Committee, the management subsequently suspended the officer via a letter dated February 6, 2025 from office without pay”.
Earlier, an Abuja-based Human Rights Crusader, Barrister Jacob Udobang of Jacob B. Udobang Associates had petitioned the agency, exposing some of the illicit activities of some staff of Uyo Zonal Office and demanded that the matter be transferred to the headquarters for impartial investigation.
“We are watching and also synergising with our partners for a world press conference except we receive a positive response from the commission,” he vowed.
NAPTIP DG, Binta Bello, however appreciated the concerns of the stakeholders in the matter and assured that, the officer concerned would be made to face the full wrath of the law including prosecution, if found guilty.