An Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State has heard how two minors were allegedly trafficked, sold for N18,000 each, and forced to hawk goods on the streets of Benin City, Edo State.
Three defendants — John Ushie, 32; Innocent Ushie, 50; and Evelyn Innocent, 38 — were arraigned before the court on charges bordering on child trafficking, abduction, and slavery.
Police prosecutor Augustine Omheneimhen told the court that the alleged offences were committed around 9 a.m. at No. 1 Chama Street, Ute, Ondo State.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly lured the two boys, who are now aged 15 and 17, from a riverbank in November 2025 when they were 14 and 15 years old. The boys were reportedly deceived with claims that their father wanted to see them in Ogbese.
The court heard that the victims were first taken to Utesi, where they spent a night, before being transported to Benin City, Edo State.
Omheneimhen said the boys were allegedly sold for N18,000 each to the wife of one of the defendants’ brothers and were subsequently handed trays to hawk goods on the streets.
Testifying before the court, the victims said they spent about four months in captivity and were separated for two months before allegedly being resold to another individual for N76,000.
The prosecution further stated that the defendants later contacted the boys’ parents and collected N10,000 before police operatives traced and reunited the victims with their families.
The alleged offences contravene Section 369 and are punishable under Sections 369(2)(6)(7) and 362 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants in separate correctional facilities pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, citing statements obtained from the victims and the first defendant.
Magistrate O. Lebi subsequently ordered the remand of the defendants at the Ondo City correctional centre and adjourned the matter until August 4, 2026.
The magistrate also directed that the case be transferred to the Family Magistrate Court in Akure.
