The Anambra State Government has condemned in strong terms an alleged case of child trafficking and sexual exploitation involving underage children reportedly found in a brothel in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the government said its attention was drawn to a disturbing video circulating on social media.
The video showed that thirty-five underage children from Ebonyi State who have been missing since October 2025 were discovered in a brothel where they were allegedly being used for sex work.
Dr. Mefor stated that the Anambra State Government abhors and will not tolerate any form of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, or abuse of minors under any circumstance.
The statement describes the alleged acts as a grave violation of human dignity, moral decency, and extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It maintains that the alleged actions contravene several legal provisions, including the Child Rights Act—fully domesticated and implemented in Anambra State—the Criminal Code, and other relevant laws safeguarding the welfare and dignity of children.
The Commissioner further explained that the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) criminalises all forms of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and forced prostitution.
He added that the Child Rights Act and corresponding child rights laws adopted by states, including Anambra, expressly prohibit the use of children for sexual activities, forced labour, or any form of exploitation.
“These laws recognise the child’s rights to dignity, protection, survival, and development, and they prescribe severe penalties for offenders, which the Anambra State Government will not hesitate to invoke,” the statement said.
Government’s intervention
Dr. Mefor disclosed that the state government has already directed relevant security agencies and regulatory authorities to immediately investigate the allegations.
They are also to establish the facts surrounding the incident, rescue and protect any affected minors, and ensure that all individuals or syndicates involved are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also noted that any facilities found to be involved would be sealed in the interest of public safety.
The commissioner warned operators of what he described as “this modern-day travesty” within Anambra State that the long arm of the law is actively searching for them.
He stressed that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner reassured residents and visitors that public safety remains a top priority of the Anambra State Government.
‘All lawful measures are being strengthened to protect vulnerable persons, especially children.’
He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid investigations.
“If you see something, say something,” the statement urged, encouraging citizens to call the state’s emergency line, 5111, assuring confidential treatment of every information and prompt action.
The statement reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on child abuse and exploitation.
It emphasized government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights and welfare of every child in the state.Top of Form
