An Abuja High Court has arraigned four women for alleged child trafficking and criminal conspiracy.
The defendants—Precious Silas, 30; Ngozi Unukwuwa, 47; Chisinau Onukwuagha, 40; and Favour Ohebegeim, 25—are all residents of Karimo, Abuja.
According to the prosecutor, Donatus Abah, the women allegedly brought three boys, aged seven, eight, and twelve, from Imo State under the pretext of enrolling them in school. Instead, they reportedly pretended to be blind and used the children as props to solicit money from motorists.
Abah told the court that the alleged offences contravene the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as well as the Child’s Rights Act, 2003, which safeguard children against abuse and exploitation.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyer, B.C. Nnadika, applied for bail on their behalf.
The case underscores ongoing concerns over child exploitation and the need for stronger enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable minors.
