Nigerian illegal baby factory discovered

Nigerian police have discovered what has been referred to as a baby factory for teenage girls. Police raided a home, where the girls were allegedly being forced to have babies who were then offered for sale. The premises of the Cross Foundation in Aba were raided this week following complaints that girls aged between 15 and 17 were being forced into pregnancy by the proprietor of the home. 32 pregnant girls were released and the proprietor is being questioned on the allegations he sold babies to people for around $200. Police have suggested the children may have been sold to people who wanted to use them for rituals or sacrifices. Many children in Nigeria are also sold for labour in plantations, mines, factories or as domestic help. Others are sold into prostitution. The owner of the so-called baby factory is likely to face child abuse and human trafficking charges. Buying or selling of babies is illegal in Nigeria and carries a 14-year jail term. In Nigeria, human trafficking is ranked the third most common crime after economic fraud and drug trafficking.