The Italian authorities have dismantled a Nigerian human trafficking ring that operated between Nigeria, Libya and Italy, forcing women and children to sell their bodies by using voodoo rituals as a form of coercion.
Five Nigerians including three women have been arrested by Catania police on charges of running a human trafficking ring. Among the victims, who arrived in Sicily on large migrant boats, were numerous children and women forced to work as prostitutes. Those arrested are: Ehimwenma 'Christ' Osagie, 36, the sisters Naomi and Susam Ikponwmasa, who are 39 and 34, Loveth Omoregbe, 28, and Lawrence Ogbama. Ogbama was arrested in Rome. All five suspects stand accused of human trafficking, aiding and abetting clandestine prostitution and exploiting sex workers.