An Abuja High Court has arraigned four women for alleged child trafficking and criminal conspiracy involving three young boys.

The defendants — Precious Silas (30), Ngozi Unukwuwa (47), Chisinau Onukwuagha (40), and Favour Ohebegeim (25) — all residents of Karimo, Abuja, are accused of bringing the boys, aged seven, eight, and twelve, from Imo State under the promise of enrolling them in school.

Prosecutor Donatus Abah told the court that instead of fulfilling that promise, the women allegedly pretended to be blind and used the children to beg for money from unsuspecting motorists.

The prosecution said the alleged actions violated the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as well as the Child’s Rights Act, 2003, which protects minors from abuse and exploitation.

All four women pleaded not guilty. Their lawyer, B.C. Nnadika, has applied for bail on their behalf.

The case underscores the ongoing challenge of tackling child trafficking and exploitation in Nigeria, with authorities urging the public to report suspicious activities to protect vulnerable children.