By Abasi ItaÂ
Two individuals have been convicted by the Federal High Court in Calabar for the abduction and attempted sale of a 12-year-old girl in Cross River State.
Justice L I Ojukwu delivered the judgment on February 2, 2026, in Charge No FHC/CA/54C/2025, finding Patience Nyong Okon, 25, and Michael Peter Ofem, 32, guilty on all four counts brought against them.
The case, instituted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 22, 2025, was filed under Sections 13(2)(b), 27, and 29 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act. The defendants were arraigned on June 19, 2025, initially pleaded not guilty, but later changed their pleas to guilty on January 28, 2026.
Court proceedings revealed that the convicts, who are in a relationship, abducted the victim, Praise Ojating Ichire, from the 8 Miles area of Calabar Municipality. They reportedly used deception and exploited the child’s vulnerability in an attempt to sell her.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Ojukwu sentenced each convict to 12 months’ imprisonment, 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 released to her relatives only after verification to ensure they are suitable and capable of providing proper care.
The conviction highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to combat human trafficking and safeguard children in Cross River State.
This case serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing laws that protect the most vulnerable members of society and deterring crimes against children.