Two Sentenced to 24 Years for Child Trafficking in Cross River

On October 2024, the Federal High Court in Calabar, presided over by Justice L. Ojukwu, sentenced Mabum Joseph and Arisha Mutashu Victor Mabum to 12 years imprisonment each, totaling 24 years, for trafficking eight children for exploitation purposes.

They were convicted on 17 counts related to human trafficking, following a prosecution by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The agency reported that the children were rescued during an operation, highlighting the serious abuse within the community.

Despite pleading not guilty, the court found them guilty, and each was fined N2 million for 11 of the counts. The court ordered that the victims remain under government care until they can be safely returned to responsible family members, ensuring their welfare is prioritized.