9th November, 2021
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
A Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has ordered remand of four persons for allegedly abducting and selling a baby for N500,000.
The accused, namely Victoria John-Barile, Jennifer Osuji, Ugochukwu Kere, and Emmanuel Iwuh-Onyebuchi were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and child trafficking.
According to charges filed in court, the four accused persons abducted one Precious Irechukwu, a one year and ten months old baby on April 14, 2020 at Umuojiohi community in Afara clan in Etche Local Council.
The accused were alleged to have subsequently sold the baby to Chinyere and Chioma, whose surnames were not revealed in the charge sheet at the sum of N500,000, an offence punishable under the Criminal Code Law of Rivers State, and the Child Rights Act of the Federation.
However, the accused pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate Rita Oguguo ordered that they should be remanded and adjourned the matter till November 17, 2021 for hearing.