An Abuja High Court has arraigned four women over alleged child trafficking and criminal conspiracy involving three minors brought from Imo State.
The defendants — Precious Silas, 30; Ngozi Unukwuwa, 47; Chisinau Onukwuagha, 40; and Favour Ohebegeim, 25 — all residents of Karimo, Abuja, were accused of deceiving the children, aged seven, eight, and twelve, with promises of school enrollment.
Prosecutor Donatus Abah told the court that instead of fulfilling their promise, the women allegedly pretended to be blind and used the boys as props to beg for money from motorists.
According to Abah, the alleged offences contravene the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Child’s Rights Act, 2003, which safeguard children from abuse and exploitation.
All defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyer, B.C. Nnadika, applied for bail, while the court adjourned the case for further hearing.
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