Lucky Peter Arraigned for Child Abduction as Ughelli Women Protest 26 Missing Children

Magistrate Court Begins Trial Amid Growing Concern Over Disappearances in Ughelli North

 

The Magistrate Court sitting in Ofuoma, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday, June 13, 2025, formally arraigned Mr. Lucky Peter on charges of child abduction. This development comes days after a mass protest by women in Ughelli over the mysterious disappearance of 26 children within the region.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the suspect, Lucky Peter, was accused of abducting a child from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Favour on Oveto Street, Ughelli. His arrest and subsequent arraignment have heightened public attention on the increasing cases of child disappearance in Delta State.

Community Leaders Call for Swift Justice

The court proceedings, which attracted considerable attention, marked a pivotal step in the quest for justice by the affected families and the Ughelli North community at large. The arraignment was viewed as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to curb the disturbing trend of child abductions across the region.

 

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Prominent among those present at the courthouse was the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government, Olorogun (Barr.) Jaro Egbo Movudu Ksc. Addressing reporters shortly after the court session, Egbo emphasized the council’s unwavering commitment to law, order, and justice.

“I am here today to fulfill the promise I made—to ensure we follow every legal and logical path in seeking justice for victims of child abduction. Our administration is one of law, order, and compassion. We will not relent until justice is served, and let this serve as a deterrent to anyone planning to infringe upon the rights and safety of our children,” he stated.

Bail Granted Under Strict Conditions

Also speaking to the media, prosecuting counsel Mr. S.O. Egedegbe confirmed that the court had granted bail to the defendant under stringent conditions.

“The court has granted the defendant bail under specific conditions. If he can meet those conditions, he will remain free until the next court sitting, which has been scheduled for July 15, 2025,” Egedegbe disclosed.

According to court directives, Lucky Peter’s bail conditions include:

• Bail sum of ₦5 million

• Provision of a surety who must be a Level 16 civil servant

Until the defendant meets these conditions, he will remain in custody pending further proceedings.

Protest Over Missing Children Continues

The arraignment follows recent protests in Ughelli North, where concerned women marched through major streets demanding immediate government intervention over the disappearance of 26 children in mysterious circumstances. The protests highlighted deepening fears over child safety in the area.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the community is now looking to the judiciary to deliver justice swiftly and fairly, especially as fears grow about organized child trafficking rings potentially operating within the state.

Judiciary Seen as Hope for the Common Man

With the case adjourned to July 15, the attention of both residents and human rights advocates remains firmly on the judiciary’s next steps.

Legal analysts and community leaders insist that swift and transparent adjudication of the matter will send a strong message of deterrence to potential offenders while reaffirming public confidence in the justice system.

For many in Ughelli North, the ongoing legal proceedings represent a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society, particularly children, against abduction, trafficking, and exploitation.