Ondo couple sentenced for running illegal baby factory
A couple, Abiodun Ogundeji and Happiness Ogundeji, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison for operating a baby factory in Ilutitun, Ondo State. The conviction followed an 11-year trial, with the case initially referred to NAPTIP by the Nigerian Immigration Service in January 2014. The Federal High Court in Akure delivered the judgment, ordering the forfeiture of properties linked to the crime. The ruling is seen as a major step in the fight against human trafficking.
What happened
- Abiodun Ogundeji and Happiness Ogundeji were found guilty of running a baby factory where underage pregnant girls were detained and their babies sold.
- The case began after a referral to NAPTIP by the Nigerian Immigration Service in January 2014.
- NAPTIP obtained a court order on May 12, 2014, to seal and seize the couple’s properties.
- On February 26, 2026, the Federal High Court in Akure sentenced the couple to 14 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
- The court ordered the forfeiture of eight cars, two bungalows, and N4m in cash, and directed that N1m each be paid as restitution to three victims.
