In a disturbing case that has sparked public outrage, four women — Precious Silas, 30; Ngozi Unukwuwa, 47; Chidinma Onukwuagha, 40; and Favour Ohebegeim, 25 — have been arraigned before the vacation court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of child trafficking.
According to police reports, the women allegedly lured boys aged between 7 and 12 from Imo State with promises of enrolling them in school. Instead, the boys were reportedly used for street begging, with the defendants pretending to be blind to attract sympathy and money from passersby.
Their alleged activities came to light after being exposed by the popular Abuja-based investigative programme Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and Television. The police have charged the women with criminal conspiracy and child trafficking under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Child’s Rights Act, 2003.
When the charges were read in court, the four women pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Donatus Abah, requested a trial date to present evidence, while their defence counsel, B.C. Nnadika, immediately applied for bail.
Justice Cyprian Agashieze granted each defendant bail set at ₦1 million with two sureties of at least Grade Level 14 in the FCTA. Until they meet these conditions, the women will remain in Suleja Correctional Facility. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 8.
