The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has convicted two individuals for the abduction and planned sale of a 12-year-old girl in Cross River State.
Justice L.I. Ojukwu delivered the judgment on February 2, 2026, finding Patience Nyong Okon, 25, and Michael Peter Ofem, 32, guilty on four counts related to human trafficking and child exploitation.
The prosecution, acting on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, charged the defendants under Sections 13(2)(b), 27, and 29 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.
The charge was filed in May 2025, and the defendants were arraigned in June 2025.
Although they initially pleaded not guilty, both later changed their pleas to guilty on January 28, 2026, leading to their conviction.
Court proceedings revealed that the convicts, who were romantically involved, abducted the victim from the 8 Miles area of Calabar Municipality through deception.
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They reportedly lured the child with promises of care and better living conditions before transporting her to another location where they began negotiating her sale.
Investigations showed that the pair contacted a prospective buyer and discussed financial terms, with the intention of handing the minor over for exploitation.
Their plan was, however, thwarted following intelligence received by authorities, leading to their arrest before the transaction could be completed.
Following their guilty plea, the court sentenced each of them to 12 months’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦100,000 fine.
The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of their arrest.
Justice Ojukwu also ordered that the minor be released to her relatives only after proper verification to confirm they are fit and suitable caregivers.
The conviction underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to clamp down on human trafficking and protect vulnerable children in Cross River State.
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