Audible is launching a new ten-part true crime podcast CURSED presented by British Nigerian journalist Femi Oke.
The series, the second Audible Original created and produced by All3Media production company RAW, follows the ground-breaking global story uncovering how an ancient Nigerian deity successfully lured modern women into sex slavery.
The story begins in 2016 where a terrified young woman turns up at a brothel in Germany on a cold December evening with a French passport without being able to speak a word of French.
After a worldwide investigation, it emerges that she is part of a group of young women who were being trafficked from Nigeria. Before they left, they were made to go through a spiritual juju ritual which bound them to their trafficker. If they broke the oath, a curse would be unleashed upon them and their families.
Presented with all the unbelievable twists and turns of the case, this series explores the deeper context around how and why trafficking rings like this operate, including how beliefs are exploited and the motivations behind the people who willingly volunteer themselves to be trafficked overseas.
For the first time, those closest to the case speak out, including families of those involved and investigators, as the podcast establishes how ancient rituals collide with the modern world of crime fighting. The series incorporates dramatic retelling of wire-tap recordings – heard for the first time in English.
Host Femi Oke said: “This series has traffickers, victims, authorities and an ancient goddess collide in a unique way. Taking listeners deep into the spirit world of Nigeria while investigating crime, has been the most challenging assignment of my life. I hope CURSED is as compelling to listen to as it was to make.”
Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Regional Content, Europe said: “We’re delighted to present CURSED as the second podcast in collaboration with the fantastic team at RAW. The series delicately explores the shocking story of human trafficking and spirituality, and we’re proud to play a part of sharing this story with the world.”
Deborah Dudgeon, Executive Producer RAW Podcasts added: “Through incredible access to the National Crime Agency and their international partners, as well as some of the families affected – all of whom were so generous with their involvement – we have been able to deep dive into this extraordinary investigation, exploring how the perpetrators were brought down as well as the bravery of the victims who came forward to expose them.”
CURSED features an immersive original score by London based producer Esa Williams. The production is underpinned by a rich and varied listening experience, mixed in Dolby Atmos, and features some of London’s top Nigerian diaspora jazz musicians, as well as South African performers.
All episodes of CURSED, an Audible Original podcast, are available to pre-order now at Audible.co.uk and available to listen on 12 September.