The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction of a couple involved in operating a baby factory, 11 years after the case commenced.
The convicts, Ogundeji Happiness Ayodele and Prince Ogundeji Abiodun, were sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine by Justice F.A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Akure, Ondo State, on February 26, according to a statement released by the agency on March 3, 2026.
The duo was arrested in 2014 for running the illegal operation at 10 Sarajo Street, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, following a referral from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to NAPTIP.
According to the agency, a raid on the premises—allegedly registered as a care home—uncovered underage pregnant girls who were detained against their will until delivery, after which their babies were reportedly sold to buyers.
Investigators recovered several antenatal hospital cards, eight vehicles with their keys, N4 million concealed in the trunk of one of the cars, two bungalows, a poultry farm and other valuables during a search of the facility.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Commander, Mrs. Comfort Agboko, said the couple was convicted on a 10-count charge under Section 19(c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003.
She disclosed that the court ordered the forfeiture of the eight vehicles, two bungalows and the N4 million to the Federal Government through NAPTIP. The court also directed that other properties belonging to the convicts be auctioned, with N1 million each awarded as compensation to the three victims who testified during the trial.
Agboko described the judgment as a landmark victory in the fight against human trafficking, noting the legal and procedural challenges encountered during the 11-year prosecution.
To secure the recovered assets, she said, the agency obtained a court order on May 12, 2014, from the Federal High Court in Akure to seal and seize the properties found on the premises.
She said the ruling sends a strong warning that traffickers will eventually face justice, regardless of how long it takes or how influential they may be.
The zonal commander commended the judiciary, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police in Akure and other partners for their support throughout the prolonged trial, as well as the media for sustained coverage.
Highlighting challenges in prosecuting trafficking in persons (TIP) cases, Agboko explained that NAPTIP does not have designated courts, leading to delays when judges are transferred and cases have to start afresh.
“During such periods, we find it difficult to even have access to the witnesses, who are the victims that initially testified. We also have situations where prosecutors are being intimidated by senior lawyers,” she said.
She added that the agency is working to sensitize judges on the need to prioritize human trafficking cases and expressed hope for the establishment of special courts dedicated to TIP matters.
Reaffirming NAPTIP’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from exploitation, Agboko urged the public to continue supporting the agency’s efforts to combat human trafficking nationwide.