Couple Sentenced to 30 Years for Baby Trafficking

Esther Ini Udo, 32, and Eyo Stephen Udo, 34, were sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, on April 1, 2026, for trafficking babies. The couple was convicted on four counts of selling babies and exploiting them, contrary to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

They were arraigned on March 19, 2025, and pleaded not guilty. The court found that Esther sold a newborn baby to Oluchi Judith for N300,000 and an infant boy for N150,000, which they later resold to Bless Uduak for N400,000.

Justice Ojukwu sentenced each to 15 years in prison, with an option of N2 million fine. The court condemned their actions and warned the public against engaging in child trafficking for financial gain.

NAPTIP was directed to arrest the alleged buyer, Oluchi Judith, for her involvement in the trafficking activities.