Child trafficking: 27-year-old bags 12-year jail term in Ogun

A 27-year-old man, Chukwuemeka Iheamama, has received a 12-year prison sentence for his involvement in trafficking two minors for exploitation. The Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, convicted Iheamama on three counts related to child trafficking.

The victims, identified as 15-year-old Bright Edim and 15-year-old Mary Ekong, were being transported by Iheamama towards Badagry, with the intention of moving them to Ghana for prostitution. He was apprehended by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the Agbara area of Ogun State on April 12, 2025.

The case was subsequently transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) state command for further investigation and prosecution. The court found Iheamama guilty of offenses contrary to Sections 13, 15(b), and 26(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

Iheamama was sentenced to two years imprisonment and a fine of N250,000 for the first count, five years imprisonment and a N500,000 fine for the second count, and another five years for the third count. All sentences are to run concurrently.

Bose Jimoh, the Commander of NAPTIP in Ogun State, confirmed the details of the conviction, noting that the trial commenced on October 15, 2025, and judgment was delivered on May 20, 2026, by Justice A. A. Okeke. The conviction marks a significant step in combating child trafficking within the region.

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The Defendant was convicted for offences contrary to Sections 13, 15(b), and 26(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and sentence to run concurrently as follows: Count 1: 2 years imprisonment and fine of ₦250,000.00, Count 2: 5 years imprisonment and fine of ₦500,000.00 and Count 3 which attracted 5 years imprisonment.