A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced Mabum Joseph Arisha and Mutashu Victor Mabum, both residents of Mfom 1 Village in Ogoja Local Council of to 12 years each for child trafficking.

The convicts were prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Cross River State Command, on 17 charges bordering on human trafficking.

According to NAPTIP, the duo trafficked eight children from their community and handed them over to a suspect identified as Ada Eze, who is at large, for exploitation.

Some of the victims were biological children of the convicts, while others belonged to their neighbours, highlighting the depth of the abuse within the community.

The offences contravened relevant provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

Although the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned in October 2024, the court found them guilty on all 17 counts after trial.

Delivering judgment, Justice Licia Ojukwu sentenced Arisha to 12 years and a fine of N2 million on each of counts one to 11.

Similarly, Mabum was sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N2 million on each of counts 12 to 17.

The court ordered that the sentences should run concurrently and take effect from the date of judgment.

In addition to the sentencing, the court made an order concerning one of the rescued victims, identified as Favour Arisha.

The child, who was 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 should remain in government care until she can be handed over to a responsible family member who undertakes to ensure her proper welfare.

NAPTIP described the judgement as a significant step in the fight against human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable children in Cross River and beyond.