Two individuals have been convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, for human trafficking and the attempted sale of a 12-year-old girl.
The convicts, Patience Okon, 25, and Michael Ofem, 32, were prosecuted by the Federal Government in Charge No. FHC/CA/54C/2025, filed on May 22, 2025. They were arraigned on June 19, 2025, on a four-count charge bordering on human trafficking and attempted sale of a person, contrary to Sections 13(2)(b), 27 and 29 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act.
The court heard that the defendants abducted and transported the victim, identified as Praise Ojating Ichire, from the 8 Miles area of Calabar through deception and abuse of her vulnerable condition, with the intent to sell her.
Although both defendants initially pleaded not guilty, they later changed their pleas and admitted to all charges on January 28, 2026.
In his judgment, Justice L. I. Ojukwu found the duo guilty on all counts and sentenced them to 12 months’ imprisonment each, with an option of a ₦100,000 fine. The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of their arrest.
The court further ordered that the victim be released to her relatives after proper verification to ensure she is placed under the care of a responsible and suitable guardian.