Alleged prostitution trafficking victim underwent "voodoo process", jury hears

A woman has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged trafficking of a young Nigerian woman into Ireland for the purposes of prostitution. Joy Imasogie, aged 40, with an address in Hollystown, Dublin 15, has pleaded not guilty to organising illegal entry, compelling prostitution, and controlling prostitution-related activities between March 2006 and April 2008. During opening submissions, the prosecution outlined allegations that the then 20-year-old complainant was trafficked to Ireland following a "voodoo process" conducted in Nigeria, during which she swore an oath before a traditional practitioner not to report the accused or others involved. The woman told the court she was promised work in a hair salon but was instead coerced into sex work to repay a purported €50,000 debt. The court heard she was brought to locations including Finglas and subsequently to Sligo, where she was forced to engage in sexual activity. The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan.