TheCable

The federal capital territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested one Chinana Tali over an alleged attempt to sell his six-year-old son for N20 million in Abuja.

Olusola Odumosu, the FCT commandant of the NSCDC, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, said Tali was apprehended when he was about to sell his son after he was lured to Abuja from Benue.

According to Odumosu, the suspect claimed that the victim, Ushafa Tali, is his six-year-old son.

He added that Tali said he has six children and had decided to sell one of them to raise money to cater to the needs of his large family.

“It is because of hardship and no money, so I need to find a way to train my other children,” the suspect was quoted as saying.

Odumosu noted that the arrest of the suspect followed an intelligence tip-off of his quest to get the highest bidder.

The FCT commandant said the father was initially offered N12 million, but refused and insisted that the boy, who he referred to as a “he-goat”, be bought at N20 million.

“We booked an appointment with the suspect at a garden, where we had one of our men pose as a buyer; while we had our men surround them,” Odumosu said.

“He came all the way from Benue to sell his supposed child to a buyer without caring about what might befall the child afterwards.

“To arrest his accomplice, we had to send transport fare to him after he was being deceived that the deal had been settled.

“He also offered to sell his girl child, who he referred to as a “she-goat’’ for N15 million, if he didn’t get a buyer for the boy.

“We are not sure of the paternity yet, but more will be uncovered during further investigation as he claimed that the mother, his wife, had no idea of the transaction.”

The commandant said that the NSCDC is committed to ensuring the protection of lives and property.

He urged those who might have intentions such as that of Tali and his accomplices to desist warning that child trafficking is a serious offense.

Odumosu handed over the father, son and one accomplice to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Chinyere Oseafiama, a NAPTIP senior intelligence assistant, who received them, assured that the case would be thoroughly investigated for appropriate actions.

“We are happy for what the NSCDC has done, and we are assuring that NAPTIP will do the needful and get back to the public with a positive report regarding the case.”