Five women arraigned before a Lagos State magistrates’ court for engaging in an act of prostitution in Ikoyi area of Lagos State, western Nigeria, have been convicted for various jail terms, even as the Police authority has published their names.

The accused persons, Helen Ugwu, 33, Chika Okoro, 40, Roseline Jebba, 43, Sandra Akomake, 58, and Udega Theresa, 61, were ordered arrested by the divisional police officer in charge of Ikoyi division, Eti- Osa, Lagos, Mustapha Tijani, a Superintendent of Police (SP).

Their arrest and prosecution followed a complaint by the residents of Thompson Avenue area of Ikoyi, Lagos that some women were engaging in prostitution and constituting a threat to their lives in the area.

After investigation by Inspector Phillip Igbinovia and his team, the accused persons were arraigned on Wednesday, before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on a one count charge of felony to wit, unlawful engagement in prostitution in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Police prosecutor, Sgt. Nicholas Akpene, said the offence the accused persons committed is punishable under section 142(1)(3)(b) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The first to fourth accused persons pleaded guilty to the crime in the open court, while the fifth accused, who claimed to be pregnant, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The presiding magistrate, Mrs. A. T. Omoyemi, had admitted the pregnant accused woman to bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She afterward pronounced the other four guilty of the charges and sentenced them to three months in prison with hard labour.