Following an 11-year legal battle, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has achieved a significant conviction against a well-known couple who ran a baby factory in Ilu-Titun, within the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The couple, Prince Ogundeji Abiodun and Mrs. Ayodele Ogundeji, were sentenced to 14 years in prison without the option of a fine by the Federal High Court in Akure on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Judge F. A. Olubanjo found them guilty on ten counts related to the unlawful detention of victims and the violation of their personal freedom, in breach of Section 19(c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition Enforcement and Administration) Act 2003.
Moreover, the court ordered the forfeiture of eight vehicles and two houses linked to the convicts as proceeds of their criminal activities to the Federal Government of Nigeria through NAPTIP.
Additionally, ₦4 million, which was part of the evidence collected during NAPTIP's investigation, was also forfeited to the Federal Government via the agency, while three victims who testified in the case are to receive ₦1 million each.
In a press conference in Lagos regarding the conviction, Mrs. Comfort Agboko, the Lagos Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, referred to the ruling as a historic and landmark victory in the fight against human trafficking.
Agboko described the convicts as high-profile socialites and explained that the case was referred to NAPTIP by the Nigerian Immigration Service in January 2014, as part of an inter-agency collaboration.
"Preliminary investigations indicated that the convicts operated a baby factory at their residence located at No. 10 Sarajo Street, Ilutitun, in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, where underage pregnant girls were brought and held against their will, awaiting the delivery of their babies for sale.
During the investigation, a search of the property revealed numerous items, including hospital cards, eight cars with their keys, two houses, ₦4 million in cash found in one of the car trunks, a poultry farm, and various domestic animals.
A court order was obtained on May 12, 2014, from the Federal High Court in Akure to seal, attach, and seize the properties of the defendants found on the premises.
"NAPTIP Lagos Command is thrilled to announce that after over 11 years of trial, justice has finally been served for the victims. This landmark conviction will certainly act as a deterrent to criminal elements in the country and send a clear message to human trafficking perpetrators that they will eventually face justice, no matter how long it takes.
She added, "This is a dual judgment that has dealt a significant blow to the convicts by stripping them of their ill-gotten gains while also providing some restitution for the victims to help alleviate their suffering, loss, and exploitation.
"The other properties of the convicts will be auctioned or sold, with ₦1 million allocated to each of the three victims who testified in the case.
Agboko expressed gratitude to the judiciary, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police, Ondo State Command, and other partners for their support throughout the trial.
Reaffirming NAPTIP's dedication to protecting Nigerians from exploitation, Agboko stated, "We will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly, regardless of their status, and urged the public to join forces with the agency in the ongoing fight against human trafficking in the country.
(Source: Vanguard Newspapers)
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