The Federal High Court sitting in Gombe on Thursday sentenced two persons to two years’ imprisonment each for child trafficking.
The trial judge, Justice Amina Aliyu-Muhammad, ordered that the convicts be remanded at the Gombe Medium Security Custodial Centre, with an option of a N1m fine each.
The defendants, Ibe Chukwumeka, a resident of Railway Cross, behind Bridge, Ahiz Garan in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, and Okafor Virgia, of Aso Road, Mararraba in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, were prosecuted for allegedly purchasing a newborn baby girl.
They were charged under Section 21 of the Child Trafficking (Prohibition) Law, 2015 (as amended).
So This Happened (EP 376) reviews: Drama trails FCT Area Council elections
0:09 / 1:01
According to the prosecution, the defendants bought the baby from one Muhammad Abdullahi, who is currently at large.
Counsel for the prosecution, Miss Yila Kopyo, told the court that the offence contravened Section 21 of the Child Trafficking Law, 2015 (as amended).Related News
- Explosives scare on Zamfara highway leaves motorists stranded
- FG seeks Canadian tech, investment to fast-track mining reforms
- Court grants Malami, son N200m bail in terrorism financing case
The defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses who testified and were cross-examined by defence counsel, Barrister Raphael.
In her judgment, Justice Aliyu-Muhammad held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The court finds the defendants guilty as charged, and they are hereby convicted and sentenced accordingly,” the judge ruled.
She subsequently sentenced both convicts to two years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a N1m fine.