Operatives from the Niger State Police Command have secured the arraignment of eight individuals suspected of operating a child trafficking ring. The suspects were brought before the Minna Chief Magistrate's Court to face serious charges related to the abduction and sale of minors.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The breakthrough came from the command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by DSP Ahmed Sa'idu. The squad conducted an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects in Nasarawa State. They were found to be in possession of children allegedly stolen from various communities within Niger State.
The defendants named in the case are Leo Ugochukwu, Ngozi Ugochukwu, Henrietta Obiako, and Rosemary Ogbulogo. Others listed in the police First Information Report (FIR) include Chioma Onyaja, Vincent Emmanuel, Joy Ndife, and Olusegun Isaiah. The suspects are reportedly from Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Nasarawa State.
They are facing a comprehensive eight-count charge. The charges include:
- Criminal conspiracy
- Kidnapping
- Concealing kidnapped persons
- Dealing in human beings
- Child stealing
- Trafficking in persons
- Indecent treatment of children
- Wrongful confinement
The police prosecutor, Inspector Aliyu Kuta, informed the court that the charges are punishable under Sections 60 (2), (a) (1), 211, 238, and 239 of the Niger State Penal Code.
How the Syndicate Was Uncovered
The case began on November 5, 2025, around 3:00 PM, when Victoria Ebunoha of Loko, Karu Local Council in Nasarawa, was apprehended at Dikko Junction. She was found with three male children suspected to have been stolen.
During interrogation, Ebunoha confessed to stealing the children from Lambata in Gurara Local Council of Niger State. She was reportedly transporting them to Nyanya in the FCT with the intention to sell them.
Further investigation revealed a more extensive operation. Ebunoha disclosed that she had stolen seven other children from parents in Lambata and Sabon Wuse. The parents were identified as Mohammed Bala, Danlami Zhami, Bello Usman, and others.
The prosecutor stated that the stolen children were sold to one of the defendants, Leo Ugochukwu of Loko, for the sum of N1.1 million. Upon interrogation, all the accused persons confessed to knowingly purchasing the children from Ebunoha, fully aware that the minors were stolen property.
Court Proceedings and Remand
When the charges were read to them in court by the presiding Chief Magistrate, Murtala Ibrahim, all eight suspects entered a plea of not guilty.
Prosecutor Kuta applied for a new date for further mention of the case. He also prayed the court to remand the defendants in custody pending the continuation of the trial. The Chief Magistrate granted the prosecution's request.
The court ordered that all eight suspects be remanded at the Minna Old Correctional Centre. The case was subsequently adjourned until January 5, 2026, for further mention, allowing the police to continue their investigations and prepare for trial.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by security agencies in Niger State to combat the serious crimes of kidnapping and human trafficking, particularly those targeting vulnerable children.
