A couple in Ondo State has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for operating a baby factory.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) secured the conviction of Abiodun Ogundeji and Happiness Ogundeji for running the illegal operation in Ilutitun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Commander, Comfort Agboko, the case began in 2014 after it was referred by the Nigerian Immigration Service. Investigations revealed that underage pregnant girls were detained at the couple’s residence until they gave birth, after which the babies were sold.
After an 11-year trial at the Federal High Court in Akure, Justice F. A. Olubanjo found the couple guilty of unlawful detention and trafficking-related offences.
The court sentenced them to 14 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, ordered the forfeiture of their properties and vehicles to the Federal Government, and directed that N1 million be paid as compensation to each of the three victims who testified in the case.
