Couple Sentenced to 15 Years for Baby Trafficking

Esther Ini Udo, 32, and Eyo Stephen Udo, 34, were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, for selling babies. The couple was convicted on four counts of trafficking under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Thursday, they were arraigned on charges related to the sale of a newborn baby for N300,000 and a one-year-old baby for N150,000. The couple later resold the newborn for N400,000.

The trial judge, Justice Ojukwu, condemned their actions and warned the public against engaging in child trafficking for financial gain. The court also directed NAPTIP to arrest any alleged buyers involved in the trafficking activities.