A Nigerian actor and activist, Stanley Ontop, has accused the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) of allegedly trafficking children from Delta State to Kano. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Happy Home orphanage in Asaba, where NAPTIP officials allegedly arrived in a white Hummer bus and took away eight children between the ages of 13 and 17 without proper documentation.
According to Ontop, who shared the incident on his Instagram page, the children were taken to Kano and forced to adopt Muslim names, attend mosque, and read the Quran. He expressed concern that the government and relevant authorities had not commented on the incident. The actor’s allegations have sparked concern about the potential exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable children in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Happy Home orphanage, Christopher Nwokoye, confirmed the incident in a viral video, stating that he was not present when the NAPTIP officials arrived. Nwokoye claimed that he found a note allegedly left behind by the officials, which he took to the D Division police station and later to the NAPTIP office in Asaba. However, the NAPTIP officials in Asaba denied involvement, suggesting that the incident may have been orchestrated by their counterparts in Kano.
The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and coordination among law enforcement agencies and child protection organizations to prevent child trafficking and exploitation in Nigeria. NAPTIP, established in 2003, is responsible for preventing and prosecuting human trafficking cases in the country. The agency’s alleged involvement in this incident has raised questions about its effectiveness and potential corruption within its ranks.
As the investigation into the incident continues, human rights activists and child protection advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability from NAPTIP and other relevant authorities. The Nigerian government has faced criticism in the past for its handling of human trafficking cases, and this incident may further underscore the need for reforms and improved cooperation among agencies to protect vulnerable children and prevent exploitation.