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Alleged prostitution trafficking victim underwent "voodoo process", jury hears
Summary
A woman has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged trafficking of a young Nigerian woman into Ireland for the purposes of prostitution. Joy Imasogie, aged 40, with an address in Hollystown, Dublin 15, has pleaded not guilty to organising illegal entry, compelling prostitution, and controlling prostitution-related activities between March 2006 and April 2008. During opening submissions, the prosecution outlined allegations that the then 20-year-old complainant was trafficked to Ireland following a "voodoo process" conducted in Nigeria, during which she swore an oath before a traditional practitioner not to report the accused or others involved. The woman told the court she was promised work in a hair salon but was instead coerced into sex work to repay a purported €50,000 debt. The court heard she was brought to locations including Finglas and subsequently to Sligo, where she was forced to engage in sexual activity. The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alleged prostitution trafficking victim underwent "voodoo process", jury hears. Charges or matters: organising for the woman to enter the country illegally, to compelling or coercing the woman to be a prostitute and to controlling or directing the activities of prostitution for gain on dates between March 2006 and April 2008. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2008 Other
- March 9, 2006 Other
- 2017-01-17 Publication
Why: In his opening to the jury of seven men and five women, prosecuting barrister Kerida Naidoo SC said they would hear evidence that Ms Imasogie "trafficked" the then 20-year-old woman into Ireland in March 2006, before forcing her to work as a prostitute in order to pay back the money she was told she owed to get here. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: organising for the woman to enter the country illegally, to compelling or coercing the woman to be a prostitute and to controlling or directing the activities of prostitution for gain on dates between March 2006 and April 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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