A Rivers State Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital has remanded four persons in a correctional centre in the state for allegedly abducting and selling a baby for N500,000.
In a charge sheet marked PMC/1595c/2021, the four accused were alleged to have on April 14, 2020 at Umuojiohi community in Afara clan in Etche Local Council, abducted and trafficked one Precious Irechukwu, a one year and ten months old baby.
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.
The accused were alleged to have sold the baby to Chinyere and Chioma, whose surnames are yet to be revealed, 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.
The accused however, pleaded not guilty, and were remanded by Chief Magistrate Rita Oguguo to the Port Harcourt correctional centre.
The magistrate adjourned the matter to November 17, 2021 for hearing.
