Child Abuse: Couple To Face Trial

For trying to smuggle cocaine to London, with some concealed in the diapers worn by their 6-year old twins, the parents of the boys will be charged with child abuse in addition to other charges, says the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade.

Giade described the action of the couple as an abuse of the children’s rights which will not be condoned.

NDLEA apprehended 46-year old Jimoh Oladega Bashir, his wife Jimoh Mulikat Adebukola and 6-year old twins for trafficking 4.050 kilogrammes of cocaine.

The family of four was to board an Arik flight to London on Sunday 28 March 2010 when they were found with the illicit white powdery substance.

Though the husband had no drugs on him, his wife concealed 3.350 kilogrammes in her Bosom  and under wear. The innocent 6-year old twins were also used in packing 700 grammes of the illicit drugs.

According to the NDLEA boss, “the action of the couple is callous, morally depraved and unacceptable. Apart from charging them on the grounds of drug trafficking, they will also be charged with child abuse. It is unlawful for them to take advantage of the kid’s innocence in involving them in a serious criminal act of drug trafficking. No society will overlook such act of debasement.”

The NDLEA Airport Commander, Alhaji Hamza Umar said that investigation into the case is at advanced stage and that other accomplices shall be made to face the wrath of the law.

“The case is under investigation and we have made significant progress. All the people involved shall be brought to book,” Hamza said.

According to Jimoh, “they were to pay us 3,000 pounds while some quantity of the drugs would have been given to us. Initially I rejected the suggestion but they convinced my wife who persuaded me to do it. My son is at Fountain University Osogbo and I need to pay school fees.”

The wife also blamed their involvement on school fees and other family financial responsibility.