The Bauchi State High Court has sentenced three people to 21 years in prison each for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and abduction.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Farouq Sarki, following a two-year trial involving 11 accused persons.
The trial commenced in March 2024, following a breakthrough by the Bauchi State Police Command in December 2023, when suspected members of a syndicate linked to the abduction of seven children from Bauchi State were arrested.
The children were allegedly taken to the eastern part of the country and sold.
The children, all below the age of 10, reportedly went missing at different times between 2016 and 2023. They were later rescued by the police and reunited with their families.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Sarki sentenced three of the accused to 21 years’ imprisonment each, with no option of a fine.
Two of the convicts were found guilty on all 21 counts, while the third was convicted on three counts.
The remaining eight accused were discharged and acquitted.
The State Solicitor-General, Sabi’u Gumba, said the judgment had brought justice to the victims and their families, who endured pain and trauma during the period of the abductions.
“Imagine putting a parent through the ordeal of not knowing where their child is for quite some time. It is a huge burden,” Gumba said.
“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.”
Ogbuchi Ben, who is counsel for the third defendant, said the defence would appeal the conviction.
“We will certainly appeal the judgment against the third defendant. There was no basis for his conviction,” he said.
Florence Bwala, counsel for the second defendant, said her client had the right to appeal the judgment.
“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.
However, the state government has urged parents, guardians and communities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to protect children from abduction and other forms of exploitation.
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