By Jamesetta D Williams
The Government of Liberia, through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, has secured a major conviction in a human trafficking case involving three Nigerian female minors trafficked into Liberia earlier this year.
The case, Republic of Liberia vs. Esther Asuaquo, was heard during the May A.D. 2026 Term of Court at the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County.
According to court records, Esther Asuaquo, a Nigerian national, was accused of trafficking three Nigerian girls between the ages of 15 and 19 to Liberia under the false promise of employment opportunities at a beauty salon. However, authorities revealed that upon arrival in Liberia, the victims were allegedly taken to an illegal gold mining camp where they were forced into prostitution and sexual exploitation for the financial benefit of the defendant.
Investigators disclosed that the defendant allegedly supplied condoms to the victims on a nightly basis and threatened them whenever they resisted her demands. Authorities further stated that Ms. Asuaquo demanded approximately LRD 2 million from each victim in exchange for their freedom, although only one of the victims reportedly managed to pay the amount.
The matter came to the attention of law enforcement after the defendant accused the victims of theft and reported them to the police. During police investigations, the victims reportedly disclosed details of the alleged trafficking operation, leading to the arrest and formal charging of Ms. Asuaquo for Trafficking in Persons. The victims were later placed in a government safe home for protection pending the outcome of the case.
The prosecution was represented by the Ministry of Justice through the County Attorney of Grand Gedeh County, while the defendant was represented by the Public Defender’s Office.
During court proceedings, the defendant pleaded guilty to the offense and informed the court about a plea bargaining agreement negotiated between both parties and approved on May 19, 2026. The agreement reportedly highlighted the defendant’s remorse, cooperation with investigators, and other mitigating circumstances surrounding the offense.
Resident Circuit Judge Cllr. George S. Wiles, after questioning the defendant, ruled that the guilty plea was entered voluntarily and with full understanding of the seriousness of the crime committed.
In delivering the judgment, the court considered several mitigating factors, including the defendant’s remorse, lack of prior criminal history, support from members of the community, willingness to rehabilitate, and her current pregnancy.
Although Liberia’s amended anti-human trafficking law prescribes a minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, the court exercised leniency and sentenced Ms. Asuaquo to 10 years imprisonment.
The court further ordered that due to her pregnancy, the defendant remain in custody until medically cleared for childbirth. Following delivery, she may be temporarily released under strict conditions to facilitate childbirth and childcare.
As part of the conditions imposed by the court, Ms. Asuaquo is required to report monthly to the Sheriff of the Court, remain within the jurisdiction of Zwedru City unless otherwise authorized, and perform one year of community service beginning six months after delivery.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Liberia’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce and Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has welcomed the successful prosecution and conviction, describing it as a significant step in Liberia’s fight against human trafficking.
Minister Kruah emphasized that the Taskforce will intensify efforts in 2026 to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle human trafficking networks operating within Liberia. He also reassured the public of the government’s commitment to enforcing anti-trafficking laws and protecting vulnerable persons, particularly women and children, from exploitation and abuse.
About The Author
