The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, on Thursday, August 14, arraigned four women on charges of criminal conspiracy and child trafficking.
The defendants — Precious Silas, 30; Ngozi Unukwuwa, 47; Chidinma Onukwuagha, 40; and Favour Ohebegeim, 25, all residents of Karimo, Abuja — were accused by the police of bringing boys aged between seven and 12 from Imo State under the pretext of enrolling them in school, only to exploit them for street begging. The women allegedly pretended to be blind while using the boys to solicit alms.
According to the prosecution, the alleged scheme was uncovered through the investigative efforts of Brekete Family, a human rights programme aired on Human Rights Radio and Television.
The police said the offence contravenes Sections 14(b) and 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as well as Section 3(1)–(3) of the Child’s Rights Act, 2003.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecution counsel Donatus Abah requested a trial date, while defence counsel B.C. Nnadika applied for bail.
Vacation judge Justice Cyprian Agashieze granted each defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties of not less than Grade Level 14 in the service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Pending the fulfilment of these conditions, they were remanded in the Suleja Correctional Centre.
The matter was adjourned until October 8 for trial.