A woman accused of child abduction broke down in tears and pleaded for forgiveness after being apprehended by residents, reportedly confessing that kidnapping and selling children was her only source of income.
The incident occurred in [location not disclosed] after members of the public intercepted the suspect while she was allegedly attempting to move a child. A video of the arrest circulated online, showing the woman crying and saying, “My only means of earning: I kidnap and sell the children, please forgive me.”
Police have not released an official statement confirming the exact location, date, or the status of the child involved as of press time. It is also unclear whether the suspect was formally handed over to law enforcement or if charges have been filed.
Child abduction and trafficking are criminal offenses under Nigerian law. Section 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, prescribes severe penalties for anyone found guilty of trafficking children for exploitation. Kidnapping is also punishable under the Criminal Code and various state laws, with some states imposing life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Human rights and child protection groups have condemned the act and urged the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands. They emphasized that suspects should be handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution to ensure due process and the safety of the child.
“Economic hardship is not a justification for child trafficking,” said a child rights advocate based in Lagos. “Every child has the right to protection, and perpetrators must face the law. We also need stronger social support systems to prevent people from turning to these crimes.”
Authorities have repeatedly warned against mob justice, noting that it destroys evidence, endangers lives, and makes it harder to secure convictions. Police advise citizens to report suspicious behavior to the nearest station or use emergency lines.
Child protection advocates also cautioned against sharing graphic videos of the incident online, noting that it can retraumatize victims and violate privacy laws under the Cybercrimes Act….See More
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