Man Allegedly Lures Niece with Fake Abuja Job, Plans to Sell Her for N7 million

Suspect arrested in Ganye after buyer alerted police, remanded by Yola court_

A middle-aged man, Andrawus James, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Yola for allegedly luring his 18-year-old niece out of her parents’ home with a fake promise of employment in Abuja, and attempting to sell her for N7 million.

James, a resident of Bai village in Yadim District, Fufure Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was arraigned on Friday before Chief Magistrate Dorcas Marvin on allegations of human trafficking and conspiracy.

—How the plot was uncovered—

The prosecution counsel, ASP Ezra Bulus, told the court that the matter was reported on August 16, 2026, by one Mohamed Buba of New Market, Ganye, at the Divisional Police Headquarters.

According to the First Information Report tendered in court, James had approached Buba and expressed his intention to “make money” by selling his niece. The two allegedly negotiated the teenager’s price and agreed on how she would be delivered to a prospective buyer.

The prosecution said James later contacted the victim, who was living with her parents in Damare Ward, Yola South LGA, and told her he had secured a job for her in Abuja.

He allegedly instructed her to keep it secret from her parents.

Instead of taking her to Abuja, James reportedly took the teenager to Ganye, claiming another person would convey her to the Federal Capital Territory.

Buba, however, alerted security operatives. James was arrested shortly after arriving in Ganye with the girl.

When the charge was read, James reportedly admitted to the allegation.

—Court remands suspect—

Chief Magistrate Marvin ordered that the suspect be remanded in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the state Department of Public Prosecution.

The matter was adjourned to a later date.

—Police warning on trafficking—

The case adds to growing concerns over internal trafficking in the state, where victims are often lured with promises of jobs in major cities.

Security agencies have repeatedly warned parents and guardians to verify job offers and to report suspicious movements of minors and young adults to the nearest police station.