Last updated September 9, 2024 – 4:31pm
Audible is launching a new 10-part true crime documentary podcast, CURSED, hosted by British-Nigerian journalist Femi Oke.
The series is the second Audible Original created and produced by All3Media production company RAW and tells the groundbreaking global story of how an ancient Nigerian god lured modern-day women into sexual slavery.
The story begins in 2016, when a young woman with a French passport but not being able to speak a word of French turns up at a German brothel on a cold December night.
A global investigation revealed that she was part of a group of young women who had been trafficked from Nigeria and, before their departure, were subjected to a spiritual curse ritual that linked them to their traffickers; breaking the vow would bring a curse on them and their families.
The series will take us through all of the incredible twists and turns in the case, while also exploring the deeper context of how and why these trafficking rings operate, including how beliefs are exploited and the motivations of people who willingly volunteer to be trafficked overseas.
Revealing how ancient rituals clash with modern crime-fighting, the podcast gives voice for the first time to those closest to the case, including families and investigators. The series also features dramatic re-enactments of wiretap recordings, available for the first time in English.
Presenter Femi Oke said: “The series brings together a unique collision of traffickers, victims, authorities and an ancient goddess. Taking listeners deep into the Nigerian spiritual world while investigating the crimes has been the most rewarding work of my life. I hope 'CURSED' is as fascinating to listen to as it was to make.”
Aurélie de Troyer, Head of Content, Europe, said: “We're thrilled to be working with the incredible team at RAW to bring you our second podcast, CURSED. The series sensitively explores a shocking story of human trafficking and spirituality, and we're proud to be part of telling this story to the world.”
Deborah Dudgeon, executive producer of the RAW podcast, added: “Through fantastic connections with the National Crime Agency and its international partners, and some of the affected families (thanks to your generous help), we've been able to dig deep into this incredible investigation to find out how the perpetrator was caught, and the bravery of the victims who came forward to expose his perpetrator.”
CURSED features an immersive original score by London-based producer Esa Williams, anchored in a rich and diverse listening experience mixed in Dolby Atmos, and featuring some of London's top Nigerian diaspora jazz musicians and South African performers.
Every episode of the Audible Original podcast CURSED is available to pre-order now on Audible.co.uk and will be available from 12th September.
