On Friday, the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo handed down a five‑year imprisonment to middle‑aged Bassey Edem Akpan after finding him guilty of child trafficking. The judgment concluded a trial that began in Itu, moved through Ibiono Ibom, and finally reached the state capital for a de novo hearing.
The court established that Akpan was one of six conspirators who abducted a child from Akwa Ibom in 2019 and sold the victim repeatedly across several states. The child was first sold in Abia State for N100,000, then transferred to Port Harcourt, Rivers State where the price rose to N300,000 and later N400,000. The final transaction occurred in Abuja, where the syndicate demanded N1 million. Five co‑defendants fled after being granted bail, leaving Akpan as the sole participant to face the full trial.
What did the court rule?
The bench, presided over by Justice Okon Okon, held that the prosecution had met the burden of proof and convicted Akpan of child stealing. In delivering the sentence, Justice Okon Okon remarked, "The prosecution has established its case against the accused, and the gravity of the offence warrants a custodial term."
How was the sentencing structured?
The five‑year term will commence from the date of judgment, with no mention of a fine or additional conditions. The decision underscores the judiciary's stance against human trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
Why is this case significant?
Child trafficking remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, often involving inter‑state syndicates that exploit vulnerable children for profit. This conviction demonstrates law enforcement's capacity to trace and prosecute offenders despite the mobility of the crime across state lines.
What are the broader implications?
The case may serve as a deterrent to other traffickers and signals to the public that the courts are willing to impose substantial penalties for such violations. It also highlights the need for coordinated efforts among state security agencies to prevent the abduction and sale of children.
Overall, the sentencing marks a notable development in Nigeria's fight against child exploitation, reinforcing legal repercussions for those who profit from the trafficking of minors.