Adaku’s story

Adaku* left Nigeria in search of a better life after an agent promised her a good-paying job in a dry cleaner in Malaysia. A few days after arriving, Adaku was told that the dry-cleaning job was no longer available. Her passport and phone were taken, she was given a fake identification and revealing clothes and told she was going to work as a sex worker. When Adaku refused to have sex with clients, she was beaten and kept in a room for three days without food or water. The trafficker told her that if she wanted to go back to Nigeria, she had to pay back USD 12,000. Forced into sexual exploitation to pay off her debt, Adaku worked for three months without a day off. At some point, a customer tried to help her escape but they got caught and beaten by a large group of Nigerian men involved in the business. The police got called in and rescued Adaku. She was given shelter at a government housing for victims of trafficking in Malaysia. 

The IOM Global Assistance Fund supported Adaku’s return to Nigeria and her reintegration back in the country. Adaku received accommodation, basic items, and cash assistance for the development of a new business.

*Name modified for the purpose of anonymity.