A Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has sentenced a couple, Abiodun Ogundeji and Happiness Ogundeji, to 14 years in prison for running an illegal baby factory in Ilutitun, Okitipupa Local Government Area.
The conviction was secured by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons after a long legal battle that lasted 11 years.
The Lagos Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs Comfort Agboko, announced the judgment on Tuesday during a media briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja. She explained that the case began in January 2014 after the Nigerian Immigration Service referred the matter to NAPTIP for investigation.
Agboko said investigators later uncovered the location where the illegal operation took place. The couple allegedly used their residence at No. 10 Sarajo Street, Ilutitun, as the base for the criminal activity.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the two convicts operated a baby factory at their country home, where underage pregnant girls were brought in and detained against their will, deliberately awaiting delivery of their babies for sale to customers,” Agboko said.
During a search of the premises, officials discovered hospital cards, eight vehicles with their keys, two bungalows and N4m in cash kept inside the trunk of one of the cars. Authorities also found a poultry farm and several domestic animals on the property.
NAPTIP obtained a court order on May 12, 2014, which permitted the sealing and seizure of the properties located within the compound.
After years of trial, Justice F. A. Olubanjo convicted the defendants on a 10-count charge that included unlawful detention and deprivation of personal liberty. The offences violated Section 19(c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003.
“The convicts, Ogundeji Happiness Ayodele (female) and Prince Ogundeji Abiodun (male), were on Thursday, February 26, 2026, sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine by the Federal High Court in Akure,” she said.
The court directed that the eight vehicles and two bungalows linked to the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government through NAPTIP. The N4m recovered during the probe was also handed over to the government.
“The court further ordered that the properties of the convicts be auctioned and directed that N1m each be paid as restitution to the three victims who testified during the trial,” Agboko said.
She described the ruling as a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking.
“This is a landmark conviction that sends a clear warning to perpetrators of human trafficking that, no matter how long it takes, they will eventually face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
Agboko praised the judiciary, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police in Akure and other partners for their roles in achieving the conviction.
The judgment adds to the list of convictions secured by NAPTIP as the agency continues its nationwide campaign against human trafficking.
