Proceedings at the Akure Magistrate’s Court have detailed how two teenage boys were allegedly trafficked, sold, and later forced into street vending in Benin City.
The defendants — John Ushie (32), Innocent Ushie (50), and Evelyn Innocent (38) — are facing charges bordering on child trafficking, abduction, and slavery before the court.
According to the prosecution, led by Augustine Omheneimhen, the incident occurred in November 2025 around Ute in Ondo State. The victims, aged 14 and 15 at the time, were reportedly taken from a riverbank after being misled that their father was waiting to see them in Ogbese.
They were first moved to Utesi, where they spent the night, before being transported to Benin City. The court heard that both minors were then sold for ₦18,000 each and handed over to another relative connected to the accused. They were subsequently forced to hawk goods on the streets.
Testimony presented in court indicated the boys were held for about four months, during which they were separated for a period and later resold for ₦76,000 to another individual.
Investigators also told the court that the suspects later contacted the victims’ parents and collected ₦10,000 before police intervention led to the recovery and reunion of the children with their families.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution requested that they be remanded in custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, relying on statements from the victims and one of the defendants.
Magistrate O. Lebi ordered that the accused be remanded at a correctional facility in Ondo City and adjourned the case to August 4, 2026. The court also directed that the matter be transferred to the Family Magistrate Court in Akure.
