The extradition of a 48-year-old Nigerian woman, Jeff Joy, who was one of the few women on Italy’s 100 most wanted criminal list marks a unique event in the relation between the two countries.
Joy had been on the list of the 100 most dangerous fugitives since 2010 and had a leading role in the illegal transporting of Nigerian girls to Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain so they could be initiated into prostitution.
According to reports, she employed the use of violence and threats to keep her victims in line.
Joy had been sought after since 2010 for charges of criminal conspiracy, enslavement, trafficking in people, exploitation of prostitution and other offenses.
She had been sentenced to 13 years in prison in absentia by the Italian authorities.
Joy’s extradition was the first case since the treaty came into effect in 2020.
The process started immediately following her arrest on 4 June, 2022 in Nigeria by local intelligence departments.
Subsequently, on 10 February, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, informed Italy’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stefano De Leo, that Joy would be handed over.
The successful extradition was made possible due to the excellent collaboration between both countries, with the Italian Immigration expert providing support to the local police forces.