The Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted Kingsley Okeke, 22, and Chukwuemeka Nweke, 27, for child theft and illegal dealing in children.
The defendants were charged in 2023 with offenses including child stealing and illegally dealing in minors, as well as fraudulently enticing away and harboring a one-year-and-two-month-old baby boy. Chief Magistrate Genevieve Osakwe found them guilty on all counts, criticizing their dishonesty during the trial.
The court cited overwhelming evidence from oral testimonies, written depositions, and plaintiff witnesses, affirming the prosecution’s case beyond reasonable doubt. During sentencing, the defense emphasized the defendants’ good character and pleaded for leniency, noting their lack of prior convictions and expressions of remorse.
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Chief Magistrate Osakwe, mindful of sentencing guidelines, imposed concurrent prison terms: one year for count one, six years each for counts two and three, and two years for count four. The sentences are to be served concurrently without the option of a fine.
Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, welcomed the judgment, warning potential offenders to avoid Anambra State. She praised the court for safeguarding children and vowed to pursue the apprehension of a third suspect currently at large.
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