The Federal High Court, Calabar Division, on Thursday sentenced a couple to 15 years’ imprisonment each for baby trafficking.

The Cross River Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) charged Esther and Eyo Udo with four counts of buying and selling babies for exploitation.

Delivering judgement, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu found them guilty on all counts after reviewing evidence presented before the court.

Ms Ojukwu sentenced Ms Esther, the first defendant, to 15 years’ imprisonment with a fine of N2 million.

According to the judge, the sentences run concurrently and take effect from the date of judgement.

The judge also directed authorities to arrest one Oluchi Judith for prosecution, noting her alleged involvement in multiple trafficking cases.

The prosecution said that Esther sold her newborn for N300,000 to a suspect, Ms Judith, who is currently at large.

NAPTIP also told the court that the convicts also bought a one-year-old boy for N150,000 and sold him to the same buyer for N400,000.

They were charged under Sections 13(4)(a)(c)(e), 21 and 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

However, they both pleaded not guilty to the charge filed on March 19, 2025, prompting a full trial.

(NAN)