In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Gombe has sentenced Ibe Chukwumeka and Okafor Virgia to two years' imprisonment each for their involvement in child trafficking. The trial, overseen by Justice Amina Aliyu-Muhammad, revealed that the two defendants were accused of purchasing a newborn baby girl from another individual, Muhammad Abdullahi, who remains at large. This case underscores ongoing concerns about child trafficking in Nigeria, highlighting the legal framework in place to combat this illegal activity.

The prosecution emphasized that the defendants violated Section 21 of the Child Trafficking (Prohibition) Law of 2015, which was amended to strengthen the stance against trafficking in persons, especially concerning minors. The judge has also provided an option for the convicts to pay a fine of N1 million each in lieu of incarceration. This ruling is critical as it sends a clear message against child trafficking and serves as a deterrent for similar offenses, reflecting a judicial commitment to protecting vulnerable children in Nigeria.

As child trafficking remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, this case draws attention to the need for strengthened enforcement of existing laws and the importance of community awareness in preventing such crimes. The public’s response to the ruling may further influence the momentum towards tackling child trafficking and ensuring that those who exploit children face legal consequences.