On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced the successful rescue of nine pregnant women from an alleged baby factory in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The rescue operation took place during a raid on Monday in the Ushafa area, where the women were reportedly held captive in a rented apartment by a suspected human trafficking agent.
According to NAPTIP’s statement, which was issued by Press Officer Vincent Adekoye, the women were recruited through an online platform and were being kept in the apartment under dire conditions. The raid was prompted by a tip-off from a concerned resident who observed suspicious activities in the vicinity.
In a related development, NAPTIP also reported the conviction of a prominent bishop in Abuja, who received a 20-year prison sentence for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. The sentencing was carried out by Justice Adebiyi Osolo at the Federal High Court in Gudu. The bishop, identified as Kenneth Duke, aged 52, was found guilty of the crime committed in March 2023, shortly after the victim arrived at his home for enrollment in a church program. This case highlights NAPTIP’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals in society.
