A Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced a couple to 15 years in prison each for child trafficking. The case was successfully prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The couple, Esther Ini Udo and her husband, Eyo Stephen Udo, were found guilty on four charges related to buying and selling children for exploitation. Their actions violated Nigeria’s Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.
According to the court, Esther sold her own newborn baby for N300,000 to a woman identified as Oluchi Judith, who is currently on the run. Evidence also showed that the couple bought a one-year-old child for N150,000 from two people and later resold the child to the same buyer for N400,000.
During the judgment, Justice I. Ojukwu strongly condemned their actions, describing child trafficking as a serious crime and a violation of human rights. Although the couple initially pleaded not guilty, the court found them guilty on all charges.
They were each sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an option of paying a N2 million fine. The sentence takes effect from April 1, 2026.
The court also ordered NAPTIP to step up efforts to arrest Oluchi Judith and ensure she is brought to justice for her alleged role in the trafficking operation.
