The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued nine pregnant girls from a suspected baby factory located within an estate in the Ushafa area of Abuja.
The agency disclosed that the girls were confined in a rented apartment by a yet-to-be-identified trafficking agent, who reportedly recruited them through an online platform.
In a statement on Wednesday, NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoga revealed that the operation was carried out following a tip-off from a concerned citizen who observed unusual activities within the estate.
“We commend the alertness of the informant whose vigilance led to the success of this operation. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the traffickers responsible for this heinous crime,” Adekoga said.
Meanwhile, a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gudu has sentenced Bishop Kenneth Duke, the founder of a prominent church in Abuja, to 20 years in prison without the option of a fine for raping a 12-year-old girl.
The presiding judge, Justice Adebiyi Osolo, convicted the 52-year-old cleric on a two-count charge of rape and causing emotional and psychological abuse to the victim, in case number CR/702/2023, Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Bishop Kenneth Duke.
The court heard that the incident occurred on March 6, 2023, at the convict’s residence behind Dantata Construction Company in Dakwa, Abuja.
The victim, who hails from Ondo State, was entrusted to the bishop’s care by her mother, a member of his church.
The charges were brought against the bishop under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, which prescribes severe penalties for such offences.
Reacting to the conviction, NAPTIP Director, Binta Adamu Bello, praised the judiciary for delivering justice, describing the judgment as a deterrent to potential offenders.
“This landmark ruling underscores the seriousness of rape and its devastating impact on victims.
“NAPTIP will not hesitate to prosecute anyone, irrespective of their status, who violates our laws on human trafficking or violence against persons,” Bello stated.
She expressed dismay over the actions of the bishop, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to protect children from sexual predators.
“It is deeply painful and criminal for a 52-year-old man to sexually violate a 12-year-old girl. This judgment sends a strong message to others. We must all rise to say no to this heinous crime and ensure the safety of our children,” Bello added.
NAPTIP has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating human trafficking and related offences across the country.
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