Published 18th Feb, 2022

By Tola Owoyele

A federal grand jury in New Jersey, United States, has charged Bolaji and Isiaka Bolarinwa, a US-based Nigerian couple, with forced labour and other crimes involving two unnamed and undocumented individuals.

According to the information made available on the website of the US Department of Justice, the suspects, who reside in Moorestown, New Jersey, were charged on two counts on Wednesday.

Bolaji was also said to have been charged with bringing undocumented individuals into the US and harbouring them.

According to the US justice department, Bolaji, 47, unlawfully obtained labour and services from one victim by means of serious harm or threats of serious harm, and from another victim by means of force or threats of force between 2015 and 2016.

She was also said to have abused and threatened abuse of legal process against both victims.

Isiaka, 65, participated in the scheme and financially benefitted from the victims’ forced labour.

It was also stated that Bolaji, knowing that both victims had entered the United States illegally, harboured them from detection for her own financial gain.

The department also said the 47-year-old confiscated and possessed the passports and visas of both victims.

If found guilty, the couple may face up to 20 years in prison. a maximum penalty on each forced labour.

Bolaji also faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the other charges.

The couple may also be fined on each count of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or gross loss from the offence, depending on the outcome of the trial.

Both defendants made video appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King.

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