Court jails Ondo couple 14 years for running baby factory

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has secured a 14-year prison sentence for a couple, Abiodun Ogundeji and Happiness Ogundeji, for operating a baby factory in Ilutitun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Lagos Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs Comfort Agboko, announced the conviction during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday.

She said the judgment followed an 11-year trial before the Federal High Court.

According to Agboko, the case was referred to NAPTIP by the Nigerian Immigration Service in January 2014, prompting an in-depth investigation.

Preliminary findings revealed that the convicts operated the illegal facility at their residence located at No. 10 Sarajo Street, Ilutitun, where underage pregnant girls were allegedly brought in and detained against their will until they delivered babies for sale.

A search of the premises uncovered hospital cards, eight vehicles with their keys, two bungalows, N4m in cash hidden in one of the vehicles, a poultry farm and other domestic animals.

Agboko disclosed that on May 12, 2014, NAPTIP obtained a court order from the Federal High Court in Akure to seal and seize the properties discovered on the premises.

After years of prosecution, Justice F. A. Olubanjo convicted the defendants on a 10-count charge bordering on unlawful detention and deprivation of personal liberty, contrary to Section 19(c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003.

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the court sentenced Ogundeji Happiness Ayodele and Prince Ogundeji Abiodun to 14 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the eight vehicles, two bungalows and the N4m recovered during investigation to the Federal Government through NAPTIP as proceeds of crime.

Additionally, the properties are to be auctioned, with N1m each awarded as restitution to the three victims who testified during the trial.

Describing the ruling as a landmark, Agboko said it sends a strong message to traffickers that they will eventually face justice, regardless of how long it takes.

She commended the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police in Akure and other stakeholders for their support in securing the conviction, noting that the judgment adds to NAPTIP’s growing record of successes in combating human trafficking nationwide.