Mr Chinana Tali was apprehended by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command in Abuja for allegedly trafficking and attempting to sell his six-year-old child for N20 million.

The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Mr Olusola Odumosu, disclosed to the press that the suspect was detained at the point of sale after being brought to Abuja from Benue.

During the interrogation at the NSCDC FCT Command, Tali claimed that the victim, Ushafa Tali, was his own son and that he had decided to sell one of his children to raise funds for his large family.

The commandant further explained that the arrest was made following an intelligence tip-off about the suspect’s intention to find the highest bidder. The father, accompanied by his son, had traveled all the way from Benue for the transaction. The NSCDC had to send transport fare to the accomplice in order to apprehend him.

Despite initially being offered N12 million, Tali insisted on selling the boy for N20 million and even offered to sell his daughter for N15 million if the boy didn’t find a buyer.

The paternity of the children is still uncertain, and further investigation will be conducted to uncover more details. Tali claimed that his wife was unaware of the transaction.

The commandant emphasized that the Corps had a strong commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and would continue to take decisive actions to prevent crimes from occurring. He issued a warning to individuals, like Tali and his associates, who may have intentions of engaging in child trafficking, stating that it was a serious offense that should be avoided. Subsequently, Odumosu handed over the father, son, and one accomplice to representatives from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and potential prosecution.

Mrs Chinyere Oseafiama, a Senior Intelligence Assistant at NAPTIP, assured that the case would be thoroughly examined and appropriate actions would be taken. She expressed gratitude for the actions taken by the NSCDC and promised to provide a positive report to the public regarding the case.

In a separate incident, Odumosu mentioned that a young man had recently been apprehended by the NSCDC for vandalizing armored cables along the Idu Railway Line in the area.

The suspect was found in possession of a hoe and a saw, which were used to dig out and cut the cables. Odumosu stated that the suspect would be brought to court and prosecuted in accordance with the law, serving as a deterrent to other potential vandals.