The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has upheld the convictions of Nawomi Awoga and her daughters, Marina Oke and Assiba Lea Fandohan, for trafficking and abusing two young girls from Benin. The court's decision, issued on August 13, 2026, confirms the jury's findings that the defendants conspired to bring the girls to the U.S. under false pretenses and subjected them to forced labor and abuse.
This ruling affects the defendants, who will serve their sentences after a jury found them guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to harbor unauthorized aliens and forced labor. The case highlights serious issues regarding human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Background
Nawomi Awoga, along with her daughters Marina Oke and Assiba Lea Fandohan, was involved in a scheme to bring two girls, aged 11 and 14, from Benin to the United States. The girls' families were misled into believing they would have better opportunities for education and work. Instead, once in the U.S., the girls were forced to work without pay and were subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
The case began when the girls escaped from their situation after years of mistreatment. They testified against Awoga and her daughters, leading to their indictment in July 2020. The defendants were charged with multiple counts related to harboring unauthorized aliens and forced labor.
The Ruling
The Seventh Circuit, led by Judge Maldonado, affirmed the convictions of the defendants. The court found that the evidence presented at trial supported the jury's verdict. The opinion stated, "The trial evidence amply supported the convictions, and none of defendants’ within- or below-guidelines sentences reflects an abuse of discretion."
The court emphasized that the jury had credible testimonies from the victims, which were corroborated by other evidence, including travel records and witness accounts. The court also noted that the defendants had challenged the credibility of the victims but ultimately upheld the jury's determination.
Impact
This ruling sends a strong message about the seriousness of human trafficking and the legal consequences for those who exploit vulnerable individuals. The decision reaffirms that the courts will uphold convictions based on credible evidence, especially in cases involving the abuse of minors.
The case also highlights the importance of protecting victims of trafficking. The girls involved in this case received T-visas, which allow victims of human trafficking to remain in the U.S. lawfully and access various support services. This aspect of the ruling emphasizes the legal system's role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of trafficking victims.
What's Next
The defendants have the option to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, although it is unclear if they will pursue this route. No related cases are pending at this time.