Woman Sentenced to 17 Years Imprisonment for Selling Two Newborn Babies in Calabar
The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing a 28-year-old woman, Ms Gift Effiong, to 17 years imprisonment for human trafficking and the sale of two newborn babies. The court, presided over by Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie, handed down the sentence on Wednesday, following a case prosecuted by the Cross River Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Details of the Conviction and Charges
Effiong was convicted in suit Number FHC/CA/295C/2025, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and herself, after pleading guilty to a five-count charge. The charges, filed on November 26, 2025, included offenses under Sections 21, 27, and 13(2)(b) of the Trafficking in Persons Act, specifically related to human trafficking and the sale of infants. The babies were sold for a total of N1.3 million, highlighting the severity of the crime.
Sentencing Breakdown and Judicial Orders
Justice Oghoghorie detailed the sentencing as follows: five years imprisonment on count one, two and a half years on count two, two years imprisonment plus a N250,000 fine on count three, and two and a half years and five years imprisonment with a N2 million fine on counts four and five, respectively. The judge ordered that all sentences run concurrently, resulting in a total of 17 years imprisonment. Additionally, she directed NAPTIP operatives to intensify efforts to rescue the trafficked babies, emphasizing the need for their recovery and safety.
Implications and Broader Context
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children. The conviction serves as a stern warning to individuals involved in such illicit activities, reinforcing the legal consequences under the Trafficking in Persons Act. NAPTIP's role in securing this conviction highlights the agency's commitment to enforcing anti-trafficking laws and ensuring justice for victims.
