The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed two properties in Anambra State over their alleged use for the sexual exploitation of underage girls.
The Anambra State Command of the agency said the action followed an interim attachment order issued by the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, which authorised the temporary seizure of the properties pending the determination of an ongoing criminal case.
According to NAPTIP, the properties were sealed on July 20, 2026, after the court granted the order on June 26, 2026, in response to a Motion Ex-Parte filed by the agency in March.
The development followed the arrest of a suspect on March 2, 2026, during an operation that led to the rescue of several female victims aged between 15 and 20 years.
NAPTIP said the suspect was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court, Awka, on May 21, 2026, on multiple charges, including the alleged procurement and recruitment of persons under the age of 18 for sexual exploitation.
The agency alleged that investigations revealed the affected properties were being used as brothels where underage girls were sexually exploited, prompting the application for their temporary forfeiture while prosecution continues.
Officials of the Anambra State Command, supported by relevant stakeholders and members of the host community, carried out the enforcement of the court order by sealing the buildings.
Reaffirming its resolve to curb human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons, NAPTIP said it would continue collaborating with the Anambra State Task Force on Human Trafficking and other partners to strengthen efforts against trafficking and related offences.
The agency added that it remains committed to ensuring that anyone found culpable through due process is brought to justice, while sustaining measures aimed at eliminating human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable persons across Anambra State.
