The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction of two men for trafficking eight children, including some of their biological children, for exploitation in Cross River State.
The convicts, Mabum Arisha and Mutashu Mabum, were found guilty on 17 counts by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar.
Presiding judge, Justice L. Ojukwu, held that the duo recruited and handed over the children from Mfom 1 Village in Ogoja Local Government Area to an accomplice, identified as Ada Eze, who is currently at large, for exploitation.
The court sentenced both men to 12 years imprisonment each, alongside a fine of N2 million per count. The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of judgment.
The case, filed in August 2024, saw the defendants plead not guilty upon arraignment in October 2024 before being convicted after a full trial.
In a further directive, the court ordered that one of the rescued victims, Favour Arisha, be placed under the temporary care of the Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development until she is released to a responsible family member.
