A 56-year-old Nigerian-Australian woman, Binta Abubakar, has been arrested and charged in Australia over serious allegations involving human trafficking and debt bondage of 15 Papua New Guinea (PNG) nationals.
Abubakar was apprehended by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, upon her arrival on a flight from Papua New Guinea. Her arrest follows a two-year investigation by the AFP’s Northern Command Human Trafficking Team, which launched the probe in July 2022 following a tip-off from Queensland Police.
According to the AFP, between March 2021 and July 2023, Abubakar allegedly recruited victims under false pretences, promising them full educational scholarships in Australia. Upon arrival, however, the victims were allegedly coerced into signing documents agreeing to repay hidden costs, including tuition, airfare, visa processing fees, and legal expenses.
The AFP further alleged that once in Australia, the victims were forced to work on farms across Queensland, in some cases in breach of their visa conditions. Their wages were paid directly to Abubakar, who allegedly withheld the money as repayment for the fabricated debts.
Abubakar now faces a total of 31 charges, including: 4 counts of trafficking in persons (maximum penalty: 12 years imprisonment),
14 counts of deceptive recruiting for labour or services (maximum: 7 years per count),
13 counts of causing a person to enter into debt bondage (maximum: 4 years per count).
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation: “Victims of debt bondage and other human trafficking offences can be lured to Australia with a promise of a dream career or free education… The AFP can help people who are exploited and is focused on ensuring the welfare of victims,” he stated.
The case underscores the growing challenge of labour exploitation through deceptive recruitment practices, with authorities urging potential victims and the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
