They used methods including abduction, deception, and abuse of a position of vulnerability in their attempt to sell the child.
By TheInvestigator
Convictions of two individuals in a human trafficking case involving the abduction and attempted sale of a minor have been secured in Cross River State.
On February 2, 2026, the Federal High Court in Calabar Municipality, presided over by Hon Justice L I Ojukwu in Court 1, found Patience Nyong Okon, a 25-year-old female, and Michael Peter Ofem, a 32-year-old male, guilty on all four counts in Charge No FHC/CA/54C/2025.
The case, brought by the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the defendants, was filed on May 22, 2025. The pair was arraigned on June 19, 2025, and initially pleaded not guilty. However, on January 28, 2026, they changed their pleas to guilty on all counts.
The charges bordered on human trafficking and attempted sale of persons, contrary to Sections 13(2)(b), 27, and 29 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIP Act). The court heard that the defendants, who were in a relationship, transported the 12-year-old victim, Praise Ojating Ichire, from the 8 Miles area of Calabar Municipality. They used methods including abduction, deception, and abuse of a position of vulnerability in their attempt to sell the child.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Ojukwu sentenced each convict to 12 months’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N100,000, to run concurrently from the date of their arrest.
The court further ordered that the victim, Praise Ojating Ichire, be handed over to her relatives only after verification that they are fit and proper persons to care for her.
This conviction underscores ongoing efforts by authorities in Cross River State and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to combat human trafficking, particularly cases involving vulnerable children.