The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction of a couple for their involvement in baby trafficking in Cross River State, marking another milestone in the agency’s ongoing crackdown on human trafficking.
The convicts, Esther Ini Udo, 32, and Eyo Stephen Udo, 34, were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar.
According to a statement issued by NAPTIP on Thursday, the couple was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on the buying and selling of babies for exploitation, in violation of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
Details of the case revealed a disturbing pattern of transactions involving vulnerable children.
The first convict was found to have sold her newborn baby for N300,000 to a buyer identified as Oluchi Judith, who is currently at large.
Further investigations showed that the couple also purchased a one-year-old boy for N150,000 from two individuals and later resold the child to the same buyer for N400,000, indicating a profit-driven trafficking operation.
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Despite pleading not guilty during trial, the court found sufficient evidence to convict them on all counts.
Delivering judgment on April 1, 2026, Justice I. Ojukwu sentenced both defendants to 15 years in prison, with an option of a N2 million fine each.
The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently from the date of judgment.
In his ruling, Justice Ojukwu strongly condemned the act, describing it as a grave violation of human rights and a threat to societal values.
He also warned the public against engaging in child trafficking for financial gain.
The court further directed NAPTIP to apprehend the alleged buyer, Oluchi Judith, to face prosecution for her role in the trafficking network.
The conviction underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children across Nigeria, while also highlighting the need for increased vigilance within communities.