The Federal High Court Akure,Ondo State, presided over by Hon. Justice F.A Olubanjo, has sentenced a couple, Ogundeji Happiness Ayodele and Prince Ogundeji Abiodun to 14 years imprisonment, without option of fine .
They were convicted on 10 counts in the charge bothering on offences of detaining victims against their will and deprivation of personal liberty contrary to section 19(c) of the TIPPLEA 2003.
In addition,the Court also ordered that eight Cars and two Bungalows traced to the Convicts as proceeds of the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria through NAPTIP.
In the same vein, the sum of ₦4,000,000 cash, which had been part of exhibits recovered in the course of investigation are to be forfeited to the federal government through NAPTIP.
In addition, other properties of the convicts are to be auctioned/sold, and out of which the sum of ₦1,000,000 should be given to each of the three victims that testified in the case.
At a press briefing yesterday in Lagos, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, this press conference underscores the resolve and determination of NAPTIP to ensure diligent prosecution of any offender, no matter the Class, status, or position of the offender in the Society.
“The convicts, a couple, could be best described as high-profile socialites who operate a popular Care Home in Ilu Titun, Ondo State, which was later discovered to be a “Baby Factory”, where pregnancies are harvested and babies sold as priceless commodities to the highest bidders.
“The case commenced 11 years ago and passed through the judicial process before it was finally decided on Thursday, 26th February 26, 2026.”
The case was referred to NAPTIP by the Nigerian Immigration Service in January 2014 in accordance with existing inter-Agency collaboration between the two Agencies of Government.
DG Bello, who was represented by Commander, Lagos Zone Command of NAPTIP, Comfort Agboko ,said,”Preliminary investigation revealed that the two Convicts operated a baby factory at their Country Home, 10 Sarajo Street, Ilutitun, in Okitipupa Local Government, where underage pregnant girls were brought in, detained against their will, purposely awaiting delivery of their babies to be sold to customers.
“In the course of the investigation, a search was conducted in the house, and numerous items were uncovered, which included: hospital cards, eight cars with their keys, two bungalows, N4 million (cash) in the trunk of one of the cars, a poultry farm, various domestic animals, amongst others.
“A Court Order was obtained on the May 26 2014, from the Federal High Court, Akure, to seal/attach and seize the properties of the defendants found within the Premises.
” NAPTIP Lagos command is indeed delighted to announce that after over 11 years of trial, justice has finally been secured for the victims.
“This is a landmark conviction that will surely serve as a deterrent to criminal elements in the Country and also a warning to perpetrators of human trafficking that no matter how long it takes, they will, one day, face the full wrath of the law.
“It is a double barrel judgement which dealt a heavy and devastating blow on the Convicts by stripping them of their ill – gotten proceed of the illicit crime and at the same time provided some measures of restitution for the victims to assuage their pains, loss, and exploitation.
“The Agency appreciates the immense partnership and cooperation of the Judiciary, the Nigeria Immigration, and the Nigeria Police, Akure, Ondo State, and all other critical partners who supported NAPTIP in one way or the other on this case. The Agency also appreciates the media for the coverage of this case since its commencement.
“NAPTIP is determined to ensure the protection of Nigerians from all forms of exploitation. We shall continue to smoke them out even in their big or small status.
Join NAPTIP to stop Human Trafficking in Nigeria.”
