An Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State, has heard how two minors were allegedly sold for N18,000 each and forced to hawk goods on the streets of Benin City, Edo State.

Two men, John Ushie, 32, and Innocent Ushie, 50, along with a woman, Evelyn Innocent, 38, were arraigned on charges of child trafficking, abduction and slavery.

Police prosecutor, Augustine Omheneimhen, told the court the offences occurred about 9 a.m., at 1, Chama Street, Ute, Ondo State.

The defendants allegedly lured two boys, aged 15 and 17 at the time of trial, from a riverbank in November, 2025, when they were 14 and 15.

They said the men deceived them by claiming their father wanted to see them in Ogbese.

The victims were first taken to Utesi, where they spent a night, before being transported to Benin City, Edo State.

They were allegedly sold for N18,000 each to the wife of one of the defendants’ brothers and given trays to hawk goods on the streets.

The victims testified that they spent about four months in captivity and were separated for two months before being resold to another person for N76,000.

The defendants later contacted their parents and collected N10,000 before police traced and reunited the boys with their families, the court heard.

Their offences contravene Section 369 and are punishable under Sections 369(2)(6)(7) and 362 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor, Omheneimhen urged the court to remand them in separate correctional facilities pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, citing statements from the victims and the first defendant as grounds.

Magistrate O. Lebi ordered the remand of the defendants in the correctional centre in Ondo City and adjourned the case to August 4, 2026.

Lebi also directed that the matter be transferred to the Family Magistrate Court in Akure. (Vanguard)