A federal court in Calabar sentenced two men to 12 years in prison each Monday after convicting them on all 17 counts of child trafficking, including trafficking some of their own biological children, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons said.

Convicts Identified, Sentenced on All Counts

Justice L.I. Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Calabar found Mabum Joseph Arisha and Mutashu Victor Mabum, both from Mfom 1 Village in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, guilty on March 23, 2026.

Arisha was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and fined 2 million naira on each of counts 1 through 11, with sentences to run concurrently. Mabum received the same 12-year prison term and was fined 2 million naira on each of counts 12 through 17, with sentences also running concurrently.

Children Trafficked to Suspect Currently at Large

Prosecutors said the two men recruited and transferred eight children — some their own biological children, others from their community — to a woman identified as Ada Eze for the purpose of exploitation. Eze remains at large.

Authorities charged the defendants Aug. 16, 2024. They were arraigned Oct. 17, 2024, and pleaded not guilty before standing trial.

Court Orders State Care for Rescued Victim

The court ordered that one rescued victim, Favour Arisha, who NAPTIP recovered in Lagos State, be placed in the temporary custody of the Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development. She will remain in state care until transferred to a vetted family member who commits to providing proper care.

NAPTIP Calls Ruling a Significant Step

NAPTIP prosecuted the case under Sections 13(2)(b), 13(4)(c), 21 and 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act of 2015.

The agency described the conviction as a significant step in its continuing efforts to combat child trafficking in Cross River State.