NSCDC arrest man over attempt to sell two daughters for N700,000

NSCDC, The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command arrested a man in an attempt to sell his two daughters.

The suspect, Elisha Effiong, 40, had put up his daughters, aged four and six, for sale at the cost of N700, 000.

According to the NAN, the NSCDC spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Ukeme Umana, who issued a statement on Wednesday in Uyo, said Effiong’s arrest was made possible by a tip-off by a private guard in a hospital in Uyo.

Umana said: “The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has apprehended a man who attempted to sell his two children for N700, 000 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

“The suspect, Mr Elisha Edet Effiong (M) 40 years was apprehended at Full Care Hospital on Ekpanya Street, where he notified the security guard of his intention to sell his two children for N700,000 to pay off his debt and meet other financial challenges.

“The private security notified the NSCDC and immediately the State Commandant, Abidemi Majekodunmi, detailed personnel of the anti-human trafficking unit of the corps to swing into action.

“The suspect was apprehended on November 15 at 13:15 hours alongside his two daughters: Abasifreke Edet 6 years old and Rachael Edet, 4 years old.

“The suspect who resides, according to him, in Adidikim in Cameroon confessed that the decision to sell the children was taken by him and his wife, who is still in Cameroon and was borne out of extreme hardship.”

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He said preliminary investigations have been concluded and the case would be transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for prosecution.

Human trafficking, including the sale of children, is becoming rampant in the society. It is a plague, confronting the country in the recent past but with efforts of security operatives such as NSCDC and NAPTIP, the evil is gradually being curbed.