Pair sentenced to 15-year prison term for trafficking infants in Cross River

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has secured the conviction of a couple for trafficking babies in Cross River State.

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The convicts, Esther Ini Udo, 32, and Eyo Stephen Udo, 34, were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar.

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According to a statement issued by NAPTIP on Thursday, the couple were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on buying and selling of babies for exploitation, contrary to provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

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The statement read, “Today, the 1st day of April, 2026, Cross State Command Secured two(2) convictions in FRN VS ESTHER INI UDO & EYO STEPHEN UDO – CHARGE NO. FHC/CA/19C/2025. The convicts were charged with 4 counts charge bordering on buying and selling of babies for exploitation contrary to Ss. 13(4)(a)(c) & (e), 21 and 27 of TIPPEA Act, 2015.

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“The 1st convict sold her newborn baby to one Oluchi Judith, who is at large for the sum of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only). Also, the two Convicts bought a 1-year-old baby boy for the sum of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) from Blessing and Uduak (both Convicts) and resold the said baby to the same Oluchi Judith for the sum of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira Only.”

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The statement noted that the offences formed the basis of the charge marked FHC/CA/19C/2025, filed on March 19, 2025.

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The couple pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Delivering judgment on April 1, 2026, the trial judge, Justice I. Ojukwu, sentenced Esther Udo to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of N2m fine.

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Her husband, Eyo Udo, was also sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of N2m fine.

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The court held that the sentences would run concurrently from the date of judgment.

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Justice Ojukwu condemned the act, warning members of the public against engaging in child trafficking for financial gain.

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The court also directed NAPTIP to arrest the alleged buyer, Oluchi Judith, for prosecution over her alleged involvement in trafficking activities.

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