Two Jailed for Child Trafficking in Gombe

The Federal High Court in Gombe on Thursday sentenced two persons to two years’ imprisonment each for their involvement in child trafficking.

Justice Amina Aliyu-Muhammad handed down the sentence with an option of a N1 million fine for each convict.

The defendants, Ibe Chukwumeka, a resident of Railway Cross in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, and Okafor Virgia, from Aso Road in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, were prosecuted for purchasing a newborn baby girl.

They were charged under Section 21 of the Child Trafficking (Prohibition) Law, 2015 (as amended).

According to the prosecution, the defendants bought the baby from one Muhammad Abdullahi, who is currently at large.

Prosecution counsel, Miss Yila Kopyo, informed the court that the offence contravened the provisions of the Child Trafficking Law.

The defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge.

During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses who testified and were cross-examined by defence counsel, Barrister Raphael.

Delivering judgment, Justice Aliyu-Muhammad held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“The court finds the defendants guilty as charged, and they are hereby convicted and sentenced accordingly,” the judge ruled.

She ordered that the convicts be remanded at the Gombe Medium Security Custodial Centre, with the option of paying a N1 million fine each.