A couple has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each by the Federal High Court in Calabar for their involvement in baby trafficking.
Esther Ini Udo, 32, and her husband, Eyo Stephen Udo, 34, were convicted on a four-count charge bordering on buying and selling of babies for exploitation.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) secured the conviction following the couple’s arraignment on charges contrary to Sections 13(4)(a)(c) & (e), 21 and 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
According to NAPTIP’s statement issued on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Esther Ini Udo sold her newborn baby to one Oluchi Judith (who is still at large) for ₦300,000.
The couple also bought a one-year-old baby boy from Blessing and Uduak for ₦150,000 and later resold the child to the same Oluchi Judith for ₦400,000.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Justice I. Ojukwu sentenced both convicts to 15 years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a ₦2 million fine. The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of judgment.
Justice Ojukwu condemned the act, warning members of the public against engaging in child trafficking for financial gain. The judge also directed NAPTIP to arrest Oluchi Judith for immediate prosecution.
The case, filed on March 19, 2025, with charge number FHC/CA/19C/2025, was prosecuted by the Cross River State Command of NAPTIP.
