The Federal High Court in Gombe, presided over by Justice H.I.O. Oshomah, on Thursday, January 26, sentenced 51-year-old Hamidu Damisa to prison for child trafficking offences.
Damisa, a resident of Putuki Pargale in Balanga Local Government Area, was accused of selling a one-year-old boy named Destiny from Bogar Degri, within the same local government.
Prosecuting counsel Musa Yila Kopyo told the court that Damisa faced a two-count charge relating to child trafficking.
“The first count is contrary to Section 13(1) and (2) of the Child Trafficking Law, 2015,” Kopyo explained.
He added that the second count alleged that Damisa attempted to sell the same child, an offence “contrary to Section 29 of the Child Trafficking Law, as amended in 2015, and punishable under Section 21 of the same law.”
Damisa pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses, including Damisa’s wife, who testified in the case.
After reviewing the evidence and submissions, Justice Oshomah found Damisa guilty and sentenced him in accordance with the provisions of the Child Trafficking Law.
