Nigerian couple found guilty of human trafficking in US, faces up to 20 years in prison

May 06, 2024

The United States Department of Justice announced that after a two-week trial, a federal jury in Camden, New Jersey, found a Nigerian couple, Bolaji Bolarinwa, 50, and Isiaka Bolarinwa, 67, both from Burlington County, New Jersey, guilty of forced labor and other related crimes.

The victims, subjected to physical harm, threats, isolation, constant surveillance, and psychological abuse, were coerced into working in the couple’s household under exploitative conditions. The defendants, knowing that the victims were undocumented while employed, exploited them ruthlessly for their own profit.

“Once Victim 1 arrived in the United States in December 2015, Bolaji Bolarinwa confiscated her passport and coerced her through threats of physical harm to her and her daughter, verbal abuse, isolation, and constant surveillance to compel her to work every day, around the clock for nearly a year.

“When Victim 2 arrived in the United States in April 2016, Bolaji Bolarinwa similarly confiscated her passport and coerced her to perform household work and childcare but relied more heavily on physical abuse,” the court heard.

Bolaji was convicted of two counts of forced labor, one count of alien harboring for financial gain, and two counts of document servitude.

Isiaka was convicted of two counts of forced labor and one count of alien harboring for financial gain. They were acquitted of a second count of alien harbouring for financial gain.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division condemned the defendants’ actions, stating, “Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the Justice Department will investigate and vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.”

The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each forced labor count and up to 10 years for the alien harboring count. They will also be required to pay mandatory restitution to the victims and face fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense on each count. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.