Man arrested trying to sell niece for N7m

James, a resident of Bai village in Yadim District, Fufure Local Government Area, allegedly told his niece, identified simply as Fatima, that he had secured employment for her in the Federal Capital Territory.

Police in Adamawa State have arrested a man, Andrawus James, for allegedly attempting to sell his 18-year-old niece for N7 million after luring her from her parents with a false promise of a job in Abuja.

James, a resident of Bai village in Yadim District, Fufure Local Government Area, allegedly told his niece, identified simply as Fatima, that he had secured employment for her in the Federal Capital Territory.

Fatima, who lives with her parents in Yola South Local Government Area, was allegedly instructed by James not to inform them about the planned trip.

The plot reportedly unravelled after James approached one Mohamed Buba of New Market, Ganye, earlier in August and allegedly told him he wanted to become rich by selling his niece.

James and Buba subsequently negotiated a N7 million price for Fatima and discussed arrangements for her delivery.

Unknown to James, however, Buba had alerted security personnel about the alleged plan.

On August 16, Buba formally reported the matter at the Ganye Divisional Police Headquarters.

James was arrested by security operatives when he later arrived in Ganye with his niece for the alleged transaction.

The case is being investigated by the police.