A man identified as Bassey Edem Akpan has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Akwa Ibom State High Court for his role in a child trafficking ring. The ruling was delivered on Friday in Uyo, where the court found Akpan guilty of conspiring to steal and sell a child multiple times across various states in Nigeria in 2019.

The court proceedings revealed that Akpan was part of a larger syndicate that kidnapped a child, who was originally sold for N100,000 in Abia State. The child was then transferred to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the selling price increased to N300,000, and later to N400,000. Eventually, the child was taken to Abuja, where the syndicate managed to sell him for a staggering N1 million.

Akpan was one of six individuals charged in connection with this crime. However, he stood trial alone as the other five co-defendants absconded after being granted bail. The trial began in Itu, moved through Ibiono Ibom, and ultimately concluded in Uyo, the state capital, where it was heard de novo.

Justice Okon Okon, who presided over the case, stated that the prosecution successfully established its case against Akpan, leading to his conviction for child stealing. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim and society, resulting in the five-year prison sentence, which will commence from the date of the judgment.

This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding child trafficking in Nigeria, a crime that continues to affect vulnerable populations across the country. Authorities are urged to intensify efforts to combat such heinous acts and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.