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UK, Nigeria, Prostitution , Witchcraft, Human Trafficking , Sex slavery, Abuse, Panel Discussions, grooming
In October last year Osezua Osloase, a Nigerian people smuggler, was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court of five counts of trafficking for sexual exploitation, one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child, and jailed for 20 years.
He had used 'juju' rituals to coerce his victims into beliveing that they had a debt of bondage to him and a demi-god, which they had to pay off through working as prostitutes for him. Police found that at least 28 victims were smuggled in and out of Britain to the rest of Europe over a 14-month period, earning him up to £1.5mn.
He targeted vulnerable individuals such as orphans, enticing them with false promises and enforcing their servitude with violent threats, warning that the curses they were under would harm them if they ever spoke out.
The case is one of several that is raising the profile of human trafficking and modern day slavery, which still occurs across the world.
Juju comes from the traditional African religion popularly known as voodoo, but can be used to brainwash victims into believing that they are cursed and owe debts to a spirit.
Detective Eddie Fox from Kent Police said this was the first time he’d seen a human trafficking case where the exploitation began with a juju ritual, but that trafficking is on the rise.
"This was my first experience of trafficking with juju corruption involved. The rape of the female wasn’t about sex but breaking the will of the girl," he said.
"This case is the tip of the iceberg, human trafficking is going on internationally. How much comes through the UK I don’t know, at the moment we’re trying to get to the bottom of how many victims are coming through."
Osezua Osloase was able to operate his trafficking business from Kent, using his connections and scams to develop a system for fraudulently obtaining legitimate visas. His victims were physically and mentally abused through having to relinquish any control over their lives because of the power of the juju.
Dr Hermione Harris is an anthropologist and African juju ritual expert at London University School of Oriental and African Studies. She said that the influence of such long standing traditions is powerful and inspires a great deal of fear.
“The traffickers want to have some of the young women’s blood as it contains the essenceof the spirit; if you have the blood it means you have control," Dr Harris said.
"This goes deep into their consciousness especially if accompanied by a terrifying ritual where the priest is dressed in a terrifying way for dramatic effect. The women are so frightened by this they think if they speak about it something dreadful will happen to them.”
Selling children into slavery is one of the world’s most heinous crimes and modern day slavery is organised, sophisticated and profitable.