Gombe State Police have uncovered a child trafficking ring, revealing a network of officials collaborating with individuals to sell babies for substantial sums.
Two women, Mrs. Tina Raphael and Ukamaka Ugo, hailing from Anambra State, have been apprehended in connection with the illicit adoption scheme.
Mrs. Raphael maintains her innocence, claiming she adopted a malnourished baby from a suspected trafficker named Khadijah for the sum of N400,000.
She insists she was awaiting legal papers and denies directly purchasing the baby. Similarly, Ms. Ugo recounts being promised a baby by Khadijah and paying N50,000 for baby items and medical needs.
Khadijah, the primary suspect, denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the children involved had parents unable to care for them. However, the parents of one child dispute this, alleging they were prevented from seeing their daughter after Khadijah’s involvement.
Gombe State Police reveal that Khadijah collaborated with 15 others, including Gombe Local Government officials. Investigations suggest the illicit trade involved substantial sums per child, with a portion of the money going to social welfare workers for documentation.
Haruna Abubakar, a Gombe Local Government official linked to the case, claims the N200,000 he received from Khadijah was a gift and not proceeds of crime. He maintains innocence in the alleged illegal adoption process.
The Human Rights Commission e mphasizes that adoption without due process constitutes human trafficking. They stress the importance of following legal procedures, involving agencies like the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
