While denying the allegation of involvement in child trafficking, the owner of the organisation, Ndudim Hyginus, said his foundation was duly registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs and was only rendering assistance to victims of unwanted pregnancy, which he said was not illegal.
Mr. Hyginus, who is currently in detention, said when he was arrested in 2004 by the police over the same matter, he went to court against the police and NAPTIP and was awarded N4 million damages, which he said the authorities were yet to pay.
The SSS also urged members of the public “to continue to give useful information on criminal elements in their midst to security agents for public good.”
Similar cases have been reported in different parts of Nigeria’s South-East in recent times, the latest being the rescue of 24 pregnant young girls by security operatives in Imo State in May. The state governor, Rochas Okorocha, later directed that the girls be taken care of by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development while he approved the immediate release of the sum of N10 million for their upkeep and to ensure safe delivery of their babies.