By Efe Onodjae

The father of a 22-month-old child, Mr. Godson Chuks, has raised concerns over the custody of his son, who is currently under the care of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Abuja.

Speaking to Vanguard Live, Mr. Chuks revealed that his ordeal began after the death of his wife, who passed away on February 10, 2023, when their son was just a month and three weeks old. According to him, the situation escalated following a family dispute that led to his son’s custody being transferred to NAPTIP.

Mr. Chuks recounted: “I am a native of Enugu State, a businessman, and a contractor with the Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources. My wife passed away on February 10, 2023, leaving our infant son in my care. A year later, my mother-in-law took the child to provide better care while I focused on other responsibilities.

“Through the court process, the Enugu State High Court granted my mother-in-law custody, with me as a co-guardian. The ruling allowed me visitation rights to see my son whenever I wished.

“On September 1, 2024, my brother-in-law, Chibuzor, informed me that NAPTIP officials had taken my mother-in-law, Ikenna (who resides in Canada), and the child’s nanny, Chioma, to Abuja following a petition. I visited NAPTIP’s office, where I was asked to write a statement, but instead, I was detained for over a week and accused of child trafficking.

“I repeatedly asked to see the petition, but they refused. From what I gathered, the petition only mentioned my mother-in-law, my brother-in-law, and the nanny, not me. Despite this, I was denied access to my son for over a month. When I finally saw him with the help of a lawyer, he appeared malnourished and poorly cared for. This is heartbreaking. I demand that NAPTIP release my son to me.”

The nanny, Chioma Rita, who was also implicated in the case, explained: “I was employed by the child’s uncle, Mr. Ikenna Anikwe, who lives in Canada. He provided everything the child needed. On August 28, 2024, I was asked to hand over the child’s passport, but I declined as I was only answerable to my employer.

“On September 1, 2024, NAPTIP officials arrived at the house, handcuffed me, and forced me into their vehicle along with the child. We were taken to Abuja, where I was detained in a cold cell overnight, with only instant noodles provided during the journey.

“The next day, I explained in my statement that I was the child’s nanny. However, I remained in custody until NAPTIP later granted bail. The case is yet to be resolved.”

Mr. Ikenna Anikwe, the child’s uncle, claimed the petition stemmed from internal family disputes. He said:

“After my sister died, my siblings accused me and my brother-in-law, Mr. Godson, of child trafficking. Despite the baselessness of these claims, I handled the funeral arrangements. Afterward, tensions escalated, leading to this petition.

“It is shocking that my siblings collaborated with NAPTIP to detain an innocent 22-month-old child. If they have issues, they should address me directly, not involve the child or innocent people.”

When contacted, NAPTIP’s press officer, Vincent Adekoye, provided an official statement via WhatsApp:

*“This is a suspected case of an alleged cryptic pregnancy and/or sale of a child involving Mr. Godson Chuks Ogbozor and his deceased wife. Preliminary investigations led to the child’s rescue and the arrest of a female suspect (the nanny). Both Mr. Godson and the nanny were released on administrative bail.

*“There are unresolved controversies surrounding the child’s birth and paternity. Mr. Godson was invited for a DNA test to verify his claim, but he refused and instead filed multiple fundamental rights cases in various courts.

“Contrary to claims that the child has been detained for 22 months, NAPTIP placed him in a shelter where he is cared for by experienced staff. Following a court order, Mr. Godson was granted access to the child but failed to comply with the terms. Investigations into the case remain ongoing.”

As the legal tussle continues, Mr. Chuks and his associates have called for the immediate resolution of the matter, stressing the need for the child’s welfare to remain the priority.