The Bauchi State High Court delivered a significant judgment on Wednesday, sentencing three persons to 21 years imprisonment each for their roles in the kidnapping and abduction of seven children. The trial, which began in March 2024, involved 11 defendants and lasted for two years. The defendants were part of a syndicate allegedly involved in the abduction of children from Bauchi State.
According to reports, the children, all below the age of 10, went missing at different times between 2016 and 2023. They were allegedly taken to the eastern part of the country, sold, and later rescued by police. The rescued children were subsequently reunited with their families. The court's judgment was delivered by Justice Farouq Sarki, who found three defendants guilty and sentenced them to 21 years imprisonment each without an option of a fine.
Two of the convicts were found guilty on all 21 counts, while the third was convicted on three counts. In contrast, the remaining eight defendants were discharged and acquitted by the court. The State Solicitor-General, Sabi’u Gumba, welcomed the judgment, stating that it had brought justice to the victims and their families. He emphasized the emotional distress endured by the families during the period their children were missing.
Sabi’u Gumba further noted that the sentences were justified given the gravity of the offences committed by the syndicate. The Bauchi State Government, through the judgment, has sent a strong message to those involved in child abduction and other forms of exploitation. The government urged parents, guardians, and communities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to protect children.
However, the defense team has indicated plans to appeal the conviction. Ogbuchi Ben, counsel for the third defendant, stated that there was no basis for his client's conviction and that the defense would appeal the judgment. Florence Bwala, counsel for the second defendant, also confirmed that her client had the right to appeal and would proceed to the Court of Appeal if she chose to do so.
The judgment has been hailed as a significant step in the fight against child abduction in Bauchi State. The court's decision demonstrates the commitment of the judiciary to holding perpetrators of such crimes accountable. The case highlights the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the community to prevent and combat child abduction.
The Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children in the state. The government has called on communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may lead to the abduction of children. The sentence serves as a deterrent to potential perpetrators of child abduction and related crimes in the state.
Key points
- Three individuals were sentenced to 21 years imprisonment each for kidnapping seven children in Bauchi State.
- The trial, which began in March 2024, involved 11 defendants and lasted for two years.
- The Bauchi State Government has urged parents, guardians, and communities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to protect children against abduction and other forms of exploitation.
