The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has secured the conviction of a couple for baby trafficking in Cross River State.
The convicts, Esther Ini Udo, 32, and Eyo Stephen Udo, 34, were sentenced by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar to a total of 30 years’ imprisonment.
Reports has it that each of the convicts is to serve 15 years in prison.
According to a statement issued by NAPTIP on Thursday, the couple was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on the buying and selling of babies for exploitation, contrary to the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
The statement read, “Today, April 1, 2026, the Cross River State Command secured two convictions in FRN v. Esther Ini Udo & Eyo Stephen Udo, Charge No. FHC/CA/19C/2025.
“The convicts were charged with four counts bordering on the buying and selling of babies for exploitation, contrary to Sections 13(4)(a), (c) and (e), 21, and 27 of the TIPPEA Act, 2015.
“The first convict sold her newborn baby to one Oluchi Judith, who is at large, for the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira).
“Also, the two convicts bought a one-year-old baby boy for the sum of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from Blessing and Uduak (both convicts) and resold the baby to the same Oluchi Judith for the sum of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira).”
The statement noted that the offences formed the basis of the charge marked FHC/CA/19C/2025, filed on March 19, 2025.
The couple pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Delivering judgment on April 1, 2026, the trial judge, Justice I. Ojukwu, sentenced Esther Udo to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a N2m fine.
Her husband, Eyo Udo, was also sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a N2m fine.
The court held that the sentences would run concurrently from the date of judgment.
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Justice Ojukwu condemned the act and warned members of the public against engaging in child trafficking for financial gain.
The court also directed NAPTIP to arrest the alleged buyer, Oluchi Judith, for prosecution over her alleged involvement in trafficking activities