The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction of a couple who operated a baby factory in Ilu-Titun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Prince Ogundeji Abiodun and Mrs Ayodele Ogundeji were sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine by the Federal High Court in Akure on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The trial judge, F. A. Olubanjo, found the couple guilty on a 10-count charge of detaining victims against their will and deprivation of personal liberty, contrary to Section 19(c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPLEA) 2003.
It was gathered that the court ordered the forfeiture to the Federal Government through NAPTIP of eight cars and two bungalows traced to the convicts as proceeds of crime.
The sum of N4 million recovered during the investigation was also forfeited to the Federal Government through NAPTIP.Three victims who testified in the case are each to receive N1 million as restitution.
Reacting, the Lagos Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs Comfort Agboko, described the judgement as historic and a landmark victory in the fight against human trafficking.
Agboko explained that the case was referred to NAPTIP by the Nigerian Immigration Service in January 2014 under existing inter-agency collaboration.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the couple operated a baby factory at their country home at No. 10 Sarajo Street, Ilutitun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, where underage pregnant girls were brought in and detained against their will pending delivery of their babies for sale to customers.
During the investigation, a search of the premises uncovered hospital cards, eight cars with keys, two bungalows, N4 million cash in the trunk of one car, a poultry farm, various domestic animals, and other items.
A court order was obtained on May 12, 2014, from the Federal High Court in Akure to seal, attach, and seize the properties found within the premises.
Agboko announced that after more than 11 years of trial, justice has been secured for the victims, describing it as a landmark conviction that will serve as a deterrent to criminal elements and a warning to perpetrators of human trafficking that they will eventually face the full wrath of the law.
She described the judgement as double-barrelled, dealing a heavy blow to the convicts by stripping them of ill-gotten proceeds while providing some measure of restitution for the victims to address their pain, loss, and exploitation.
Other properties of the convicts are to be auctioned or sold, with N1 million to be given to each of the three victims who testified.
Agboko commended the judiciary, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police, the Ondo State Command, and other partners for their support throughout the trial.
She reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from exploitation, stating that the agency will continue to pursue perpetrators regardless of their status and urged the public to join hands in stamping out human trafficking in the country.
