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NAPTIP Asks Alleged Parents of Eight Trafficked Children to Come Out of the Shadow to Lay Claim to Parentage
NAPTIP Asks Alleged Parents of Eight Trafficked Children to Come Out of the Shadow to Lay Claim to Parentage
By: Michael Mike
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr. Binta Bello has called on individuals claiming parentage of eight children recently rescued from a cartel of human traffickers in Asaba, Delta State capital to present themselves for investigation rather than resorting to social media campaigns and misinformation.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Bello who addressed the growing controversy surrounding a June 2025 operation conducted in Asaba, Delta State, where NAPTIP operatives rescued eight children allegedly trafficked from the northern part of the country, said: “This briefing is necessary to clarify several misleading narratives circulating online and in some media spaces, especially on social media.
“We owe it to the public and the government to set the record straight, especially in cases involving the welfare and safety of children.”
She explained that the rescue followed a petition submitted in December 2022 by Protection Against Abduction and Missing Children (PATAMOC), which triggered investigations by NAPTIP’s Kano Zonal Command. These investigations eventually led to the arrest of Hauwa Abubakar in Gombe State, who confessed to trafficking children and selling at least 21 of them to an individual identified as Nkechi Odlyne.
Bello said further investigations revealed that Odlyne had resold seven of these children to the proprietor of Happy Home Orphanage in Asaba, Mr. Christopher Nwoye for N450,000 each.
She explained that: “Upon his arrest, Christopher Nwoye admitted his role in the matter and returned the four children,” adding that: “He, along with Hauwa Abubakar and Nkechi Odlyne, is currently facing prosecution in Gombe State High Court.”
Bello noted that while three of the children were reunited with their biological parents from Gombe, a fourth child identified by a Kano-based mother as her missing daughter, Aisha Buhari had already been returned to the orphanage prior to identification.
The DG confirmed that the case is already at the Kano State Commission of Inquiry on Missing Children, and that NAPTIP had dispatched a joint team from its Abuja headquarters and Kano Zonal Command to rescue Aisha and conduct further assessments at the orphanage in Delta.
She noted that: “This was a lawful rescue operation conducted with full support from the Delta State Police Command. It was not an abduction as has been falsely claimed by some online commentators.”
She said the team, accompanied by members of PATAMOC and armed police officers, visited Happy Home Orphanage on June 15, 2025. Although the proprietor was absent, his wife was present, and over 70 children were profiled during the visit. Eight were identified based on photographs provided by the PATAMOC chairman.
She decried that despite the transparency of the process, Nwoye has since refused to make himself available for further questioning, instead launching an online smear campaign against NAPTIP and mobilizing women to lay conflicting claims to the rescued children.
Bello said: “We have made several attempts to reach Mr. Nwoye for questioning, both directly and through his lawyers. Rather than respond, he has chosen to attack the integrity of the agency.
“Let it be clear we are not against anyone making a claim over the children, but they must subject themselves to lawful investigation.”
She revealed that in the light of multiple claims from women in both Kano and Delta states, NAPTIP relocated the children from a Kano State shelter to a secure agency-run facility to ensure their protection during the investigation.
She insisted that: “We will not release any child to any claimant until investigations, including DNA tests, are fully concluded.”
The DG also called on the Delta State Government to open an independent investigation into the activities of Happy Home Orphanage, citing concerns about “unwholesome practices” reported at the facility.
“We echo the concerns already raised by the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs. The state must take decisive steps to unravel what is going on in that orphanage,” she added.
She however reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to due process, emphasizing that agency’s legal mandate under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, empowers it to carry out rescues, investigate trafficking networks, and prosecute offenders.
She said: “NAPTIP is a law-abiding agency. However, we will not spare anyone found culpable in this matter,” adding that: “Those genuinely laying claim to the children should engage with us lawfully, not through blackmail or online theatrics.”
Bello therefore assured the public of the agency’s resolve to conclude the investigation swiftly, prosecute offenders, and ensure that the rescued children are safely reunited with their lawful families.
She promised that: “We remain focused on the children’s welfare and will continue to act in their best interests. The law will take its full course.”
NAPTIP Asks Alleged Parents of Eight Trafficked Children to Come Out of the Shadow to Lay Claim to Parentage
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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