By Our Reporter
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has secured the conviction of two men for trafficking eight children, including some of their biological children, for exploitation in Calabar.
The convicts, Mabum Arisha and Mutashu Mabum, both from Mfom 1 Village in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, were found guilty on 17 counts by a Federal High Court.
Presiding judge, L. Ojukwu, ruled that the duo recruited and handed over the children to a suspect identified as Ada Eze, who is currently at large, for exploitation.
The charges were filed in August 2024, and the defendants were arraigned in October 2024, where they pleaded not guilty. However, following a full trial, the court convicted them on all counts.
Arisha was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and fined ₦2 million on each of counts 1 to 11, while Mabum received the same sentence on counts 12 to 17. The prison terms are to run concurrently from the date of judgment.
In addition, the court ordered that one of the rescued victims be placed under the temporary care of the Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development until a responsible family member is identified to take custody.