FCT Police Arraign Four Women for Using Children in Fake Blind Alms-Begging Scheme

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned four women accused of trafficking young boys and exploiting them for alms begging while pretending to be blind.

The suspects—Precious Silas (30), Ngozi Unukwuwa (47), Chidinma Onukwuagha (40), and Favour Ohebegeim (25), all residents of Karimo, Abuja—were brought before the FCT High Court (Vacation Court) in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

According to the police, the women allegedly lured boys between the ages of 7 and 12 from Imo State under the pretense of enrolling them in school. Instead, they reportedly used the children to solicit alms on the streets while feigning blindness.

The exploitation was uncovered by the popular Abuja-based human rights radio and TV programme, “Brekete Family”, which exposed the syndicate’s activities.

The women were charged with criminal conspiracy and child trafficking, offences that contravene Sections 14(b) and 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as well as Sections 3(1), (2), and (3) of the Child’s Rights Act, 2003.

When the charges were read in open court, all four defendants pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution, led by Donatus Abah, requested a trial date, while defense counsel B.C. Nnadika moved a bail application on behalf of the accused.

Ruling on the application, Justice Cyprian Agashieze granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦1 million, with two sureties each in the same amount. The court specified that each surety must be a Grade Level 14 officer or higher in the employment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions, the judge ordered that the defendants be remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre.

The case has been adjourned to October 8, 2025, for commencement of trial.