The criminal police sub-directorate responsible for combating child trafficking and juvenile delinquency has put an end to the criminal activities of child traffickers. Four traffickers were arrested and brought before the public prosecutor for child trafficking on Friday, November 18, 2022.
On Tuesday, November 15, the Criminal Police Department responsible for combating child trafficking and juvenile delinquency was informed by the police station in the town of Akoupé, in southeastern Côte d'Ivoire, of the seizure of a public transport bus.
Nine (9) minors aged between 12 and 18 were found on the bus, none of whom had any identification documents. According to the deputy director of the criminal police responsible for combating child trafficking and juvenile delinquency, Chief Superintendent Luc Zaka, there were 39 passengers on board the bus, all without administrative documents. According to the bus driver, who has been handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation, he picked up these passengers in Togo following a move.
The driver, Lamboni Samneka, 29, is nevertheless regular on the Adiaké-Abidjan route. Curiously, on Tuesday, November 15, he found himself on the Akoupé-Abidjan route, which is suspicious. He was therefore also brought before the public prosecutor along with his assistant, the person responsible for delivering the minors and the person who was supposed to pick them up in Abidjan. The four traffickers arrested are Lamboni Sanka, 29, from Togo, the bus driver; Banlamame Yaovi, 30, Togolese, bus escort; Pedagba Aladji, 40, Togolese, escort for the four victims; and Lakouande Pascal, 25, Burkinabe, escort for two victims.
Traffickers face up to 20 years in prison under the law. Since its creation, the National Committee for the Oversight of Actions to Combat Trafficking, Exploitation, and Child Labor (CNS) has contributed to a significant reduction in trafficking, exploitation, and child labor on cocoa plantations.