By Isreal Adamu, Jos
The Plateau State Government has arraigned five individuals recently arrested for their alleged involvement in the trafficking of children aged between two and four years.
The suspects were brought before Justice Ibrahim Galadima of the National Industrial Court in Jos.
When the case was mentioned on Tuesday, the accused persons—Pastor Dayo Bernard, a clergyman with End Time Army Ministry, Bukuru, Jos South LGA; Rita Agboeze; Victoria Ugwu; Patrick Nnamdi; and one other—pleaded not guilty to the charges read against them.
Their counsel, Isaiah Randa, applied for bail orally, and the court granted each of them bail in the sum of N5 million, with sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was then adjourned to January 30, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
State Attorney General: Government Will Make a Clear Statement
Speaking shortly after the court session, Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, who represented the state government, reaffirmed its commitment to tackling child trafficking.
“We have just arraigned five individuals—one pastor, one prophetess, and others—for human trafficking, specifically child trafficking. They have denied the charges, and the case has been adjourned for trial.”
“We are fully prepared for this case. We have solid proof, witnesses, and sufficient evidence. The government is taking a decisive stance against this menace that is infiltrating our communities. We will not tolerate the dehumanization of our children. The era of slavery is long gone, and we will not allow modern-day slavery in Plateau State.”
State Gender Commission: Parents Who Give Out Children Will Also Face the Law
Also speaking, Olivia Dazyam, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in fighting child trafficking.
She warned that parents or guardians who willingly hand over their children for trafficking will also be prosecuted.
“The Governor is deeply committed to ending trafficking in Plateau State. He has empowered our agency, the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, to go directly into communities because we have seen that many of our children are being recruited from rural areas and trafficked out of the state.”
“Some of these children are even sold outrightly. The evidence in this case will reveal shocking details. Unfortunately, many traffickers deceive parents with false promises. Due to insecurity and economic hardships, some families fall victim, but that is no excuse for exposing their children to danger.”
She further warned traffickers operating within and outside the state:
“This is a clear message to those who believe Plateau is a safe ground for trafficking: that era is over. Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.”
She also urged parents to take full responsibility for their children’s safety:
“God didn’t make a mistake by blessing you with children. It is your duty to protect them. Soon, parents who willingly give their children away will also have their day in court.”
