A Nigerian couple living in the UK, Dr Ayodeji Adewakun, 44, and her husband, Abimbola Adewakun, 48, are facing prosecution for trafficking a Nigerian woman, Ms. Iyabo Olatunji, into the UK to work as a babysitter for just £20 a week( about N8,000) and slapped her when she asked for more cash.
The couple, who are brought before a Southwark Crown Court, have however, denied obtaining the service of Ms Olatunji by deception and trafficking her into the UK for exploitation.
Ms Olatunji, 37, who used to work in a local government area of Ondo State as a Secretary, and earned N40,000 monthly told the court that the couple originally promised her a £450 monthly salary over a 15-month period.
She said she was made to work long arduous days cleaning their house before staying late, cooking the couple dinner, and taking care of their children.
She claims that when she asked for higher wages, she was slapped by Mr. and Mrs Adewakun.
‘Aunty Ayo said she would look after me. She said I would be fine. She said she would pay me money, a salary. The salary would have been higher than the one I was earning in the local government.
‘She did not pay me. Both of them did not pay me, they just gave me £20 on Friday,’ MS Olatunji told the court.
The trial continues.