A Bauchi State High Court has convicted three of 11 defendants tried over the abduction of children allegedly taken from Bauchi and sold in the eastern part of the country.
The convicts were each sentenced to 21 years in prison without an option of a fine by Justice Farouq Sarki, who delivered the judgment after a trial that lasted about two years.
While two of the defendants were found guilty on all 21 counts, the third was convicted on three counts. The court discharged and acquitted the remaining eight defendants.
The prosecution followed the arrest of suspected members of a child abduction syndicate by the Bauchi State Police Command in December 2023. The trial formally began in March 2024.
The case involved seven children, all below the age of 10, who reportedly disappeared at different times between 2016 and 2023. They were later rescued by the police and reunited with their families.
The State Solicitor-General, Sabiu Gumba, said the ruling represented justice for families who had suffered the anguish of losing contact with their children.
“Imagine putting a parent through the ordeal of not knowing where their child is for quite some time. It is a huge burden,” he said.
Gumba maintained that the sentences were justified, considering the gravity of the offences and the number of children allegedly taken by the syndicate.
“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,” he added.
However, Ogbuchi Ben, counsel to the third defendant, said he would challenge the conviction at the Court of Appeal, arguing that the evidence did not justify the court’s decision.
“We will certainly appeal the judgment against the third defendant. There was no basis for his conviction,” he said.
Florence Bwala, counsel to the second defendant, also said her client could appeal if she wished to contest the ruling.
“The convict has the right to appeal, and that is her decision. If she wants to proceed to the Court of Appeal, we will proceed to the Court of Appeal,” she said.
Bauchi court jails three for 21 years each over child abduction