Federal High Court Imposes 24-Year Total Sentence for Child Trafficking in Cross River
A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing two individuals to a combined 24 years in prison for child trafficking. The convicts, Mabum Joseph Arisha and Mutashu Victor Mabum, both residents of Mfom 1 Village in Ogoja Local Council, were found guilty on multiple charges related to this heinous crime.
Prosecution and Charges by NAPTIP
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Cross River State Command, prosecuted the duo on 17 charges bordering on human trafficking. According to NAPTIP, the defendants trafficked eight children from their community, handing them over to a suspect identified as Ada Eze, who remains at large, for exploitation. Shockingly, some of the victims were biological children of the convicts, while others belonged to their neighbours, underscoring the severe abuse within the community.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Details
The offences contravened relevant provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. Although the defendants pleaded not guilty when arraigned in October 2024, the court, after a thorough trial, found them guilty on all 17 counts. Delivering the judgment, Justice Licia Ojukwu sentenced Arisha to 12 years and a fine of N2 million on each of counts one to 11. Similarly, Mabum received a sentence of 12 years and a fine of N2 million on each of counts 12 to 17. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, taking effect from the date of judgment.
Additional Court Orders for Victim Protection
In addition to the sentencing, the court issued an order concerning one of the rescued victims, identified as Favour Arisha. This child, rescued by NAPTIP operatives from Lagos State, is to be placed under the custody of the Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development. The court further directed that the victim remain in government care until she can be handed over to a responsible family member who undertakes to ensure her proper welfare.
NAPTIP's Response and Broader Implications
NAPTIP has described this judgment as a significant step in the fight against human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable children in Cross River State and beyond. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat such crimes and serves as a stern warning to potential offenders. The agency continues to work tirelessly to rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice, reinforcing the importance of community vigilance and legal enforcement in safeguarding children's rights.
