The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has convicted two persons, Patience Okon, 25, and Michael Ofem, 32, for human trafficking and the attempted sale of a minor.
The convicts were prosecuted in Charge No. FHC/CA/54C/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the defendants, filed on May 22, 2025. They were arraigned on June 19, 2025, on a four-count charge bordering on human trafficking and attempted sale of persons, contrary to Sections 13(2)(b), 27, and 29 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act.
The court heard that the defendants transported a 12-year-old girl, Praise Ojating Ichire, from the 8 Miles area of Calabar through abduction, deception, and abuse of her vulnerable condition. Although both defendants initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, they later changed their plea and admitted to all counts on January 28, 2026.
Delivering judgment, Justice L. I. Ojukwu found the defendants guilty on all four counts and sentenced them to 12 months’ imprisonment each, with an option of a N100,000 fine. The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of their arrest.
The court also ordered that the victim be handed over to her relatives after due verification to ensure that the caregiver is fit and responsible.
