A 16-year-old girl, Chidinma, has recounted being trafficked from Imo State to Lagos and forced into prostitution by a 28-year-old woman, Princess Andrew. Chidinma, originally from Delta State, said she was learning baking before Andrew promised her office work in Lagos. Upon arrival at a building inside Balogun Market on Lagos Island, she said her clothes were removed and she was made to stand by the door to attract men. She alleged that Andrew gave her a blue drug that disoriented her and that she was forced to have sex with no fewer than 30 men daily, sometimes as many as 60.
Men paid between N5,000 and N10,000 per session, but Chidinma said she received only N1,000 or N1,500 for food. When she asked clients to use protection and they refused, they reported her to Andrew, who beat her with an iron rod until she bled. Chidinma said she was punched in the stomach, despite having had surgery, and once in the eye, leaving her unable to see for a week. After a violent incident in which Andrew allegedly slammed her head against a wall and threatened her with a knife, Chidinma escaped and eventually reached Costain, where a man on a bus helped her reach Surulere.
She was taken to Bode Thomas Police Station by a popcorn seller, where the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) noticed her injuries and arranged hospital treatment. The DPO expressed shock that Chidinma was 15, saying she looked 21. Chidinma said she wanted to return to her catering training, which she was nearly done with. Princess Andrew denied being a trafficker, claiming she is a sex worker who has worked alone since February and only helped Chidinma with accommodation. She alleged Chidinma lied about her age, claiming she would turn 21 soon and had been pregnant before. Andrew said Chidinma stole her money, prompting her to beat her with a cane.
Lagos Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai said the case emerged when a Good Samaritan brought the injured girl to Bode Thomas Police Station. He stated that investigations revealed the syndicate trafficked about 30 girls, targeting minors aged 13 to 15. Police have arrested two suspects and rescued 13 underage girls.
Princess Andrew claims she is a solo sex worker yet admitted housing and disciplining Chidinma with a cane, contradicting her denial of running an operation. She alleges Chidinma stole her money and lied about being 21, but provided no evidence to support these claims. Chidinma's injuries and the recovery of 12 other underage girls suggest a network, not a one-time favour. If Andrew truly worked alone, it does not explain why multiple minors were found in similar conditions under her roof.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
