Court sentences three to 21 years imprisonment for child abduction in Bauchi

The Bauchi State High Court has sentenced three persons to 21 years imprisonment each for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and the abduction of seven children.

Justice Farouq Sarki delivered the judgment on Wednesday following a two-year trial that initially involved 11 accused persons. Two of the convicts were found guilty on all 21 counts, while the third was convicted on three counts, with the remaining eight suspects discharged and acquitted.

The trial commenced in March 2024 after a breakthrough by the Bauchi State Police Command in December 2023, where officers dismantled a criminal syndicate responsible for abducting minors below the age of 10 and trafficking them to the eastern part of the country.

The rescued children, who went missing at various times between 2016 and 2023, have since been reunited with their families.

Reacting to the ruling, the State Solicitor-General, Sabi’u Gumba, stated that the sentences correspond with the severity of the crimes committed.

“Imagine putting a parent through the ordeal of not knowing where their child is for quite some time. It is a huge burden. This syndicate took seven to nine children. If you compare the magnitude of their actions with the sentences imposed, you will agree with me that the sentences are justified.”

However, the defence counsels have expressed their readiness to challenge the court’s decision. Ogbuchi Ben, the legal representative for the third defendant, argued that his client was wrongfully convicted.

“We will certainly appeal the judgment against the third defendant. There was no basis for his conviction,” he stated.

Similarly, Florence Bwala, counsel for the second defendant, stated that her client retains the constitutional right to seek redress at the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, the state government has urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and implement proactive measures to protect children from exploitation.