More than a decade after their arrest, a couple accused of running a baby factory in Ondo State have been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The conviction was secured by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, following a protracted trial that lasted 11 years.
Prince Ogundeji Abiodun and his wife, Ayodele, were convicted and sentenced on Thursday by the Federal High Court in Akure.
The presiding judge, Justice F. A. Olubanjo, found them guilty on a 10-count charge bordering on unlawful confinement and denial of personal liberty under Section 19(c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003.
The court ruled that the couple serve 14 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the judge ordered that eight vehicles and two bungalows linked to the convicts be forfeited to the Federal Government through NAPTIP, having been identified as proceeds of crime.
A total of N4m recovered during the investigation was also forfeited, while three victims who testified in court are to receive N1m each as compensation.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Commander, Mrs Comfort Agboko, described the judgment as a major milestone in the agency’s anti-trafficking campaign.
She disclosed that the matter was transferred to NAPTIP in January 2014 by the Nigeria Immigration Service as part of ongoing collaboration between government agencies.
Agboko stated that investigations revealed the couple allegedly operated the facility at their residence in Ilutitun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, where pregnant underage girls were reportedly kept in confinement until childbirth, after which the babies were sold.
According to her, a search warrant executed on the premises led to the recovery of hospital documents, eight vehicles, N4m hidden inside one of the cars, and other assets, including buildings and livestock.
She added that the court had earlier granted an order in May 2014 authorising the sealing and seizure of the properties.
The NAPTIP official said the verdict sends a strong message to traffickers that justice may be delayed but will not be denied.
She noted that beyond the prison terms, the forfeiture of assets and compensation awarded to victims underscored the court’s firm stance against human trafficking.
Agboko commended the judiciary, the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders for their support throughout the lengthy trial, while reaffirming the agency’s resolve to intensify efforts to curb trafficking and protect vulnerable persons across the country.