A former anti-trafficking chief has raised concerns over alleged child trafficking methods in Nigeria. Julie Okah-Donli says some women fake pregnancies before presenting babies as their own.
ABUJA, FCT — Julie Okah-Donli, former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has alleged that some women use steroids to create the appearance of pregnancy before obtaining babies and presenting them as their biological children. Speaking during a public discussion on child trafficking and family disputes, she called for maternity tests to accompany paternity tests in contested cases. According to her, the additional measure could help investigators uncover alleged baby trafficking schemes.
Why This Happened
Okah-Donli said discussions about disputed parentage often focus on paternity tests, while maternity tests receive far less attention. She argued that both forms of testing should be considered where questions arise over a child’s biological parents.
According to the former NAPTIP chief, some individuals allegedly exploit gaps in the system to conceal the true origin of children. She maintained that stronger verification measures could support law enforcement efforts against child trafficking.
What She Said
Speaking during the discussion, Julie Okah-Donli alleged that some women take steroids to make their bodies appear pregnant before obtaining babies through illegal channels.
She said maternity tests, alongside paternity tests, could help establish biological relationships in disputed cases and assist authorities investigating suspected child trafficking. Her remarks reflected her views on measures that could strengthen efforts to protect children.
Who Is Julie Okah-Donli?
Julie Okah-Donli is a former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the federal agency responsible for combating human trafficking and protecting victims in Nigeria. During her tenure, she led campaigns against human trafficking, child exploitation and related offences.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development has renewed public discussion about child protection and the need for stronger safeguards against human trafficking. While Okah-Donli’s remarks are allegations and not findings from a specific investigation, they highlight ongoing concerns about illegal child trafficking networks and the importance of scientific evidence in resolving disputed parentage.
RELATED: NAPTIP Intensifies Campaign Against Human Trafficking Across Nigeria
