The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Edo State has initiated an investigation into a distressing case of alleged human trafficking. The complaint was filed by Collins Ogiegbaen Esq. on behalf of Sandra Palmer Martins against Kelvin Martin, a resident of Denmark.
In a letter signed by Nduka Nwanwenne, the Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, it is alleged that Sandra Martins’ husband, Kelvin Uyi Martins, deceived her into signing an affidavit of consent on January 22, 2020. The affidavit granted Kelvin permission to take their son, Johannes Owen Martin, from Nigeria to Denmark. Shockingly, Kelvin has since denied Sandra access to their child.
Furthermore, Nwanwenne stated that on May 24, 2023, the command received an affidavit of withdrawal of consent sworn at the High Court of Justice of Edo State by Sandra Palmer Martins.
In an interview with the press, Sandra revealed that her decision to withdraw the earlier child custody agreement was driven by new developments and discoveries. These factors prompted her to swear an affidavit for the withdrawal, which was sent to the Danish Embassy, INTERPOL, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NAPTIP, and other relevant agencies.
The sworn affidavit of withdrawal outlines several reasons behind Sandra’s decision. She expressed her shock at discovering that her son had been adopted by a Korean woman named Mina Yuh, whom Kelvin claimed to be married to. According to Sandra, Mina Yuh is said to have passed away due to cancer after the adoption took place. Sandra also noted that Kelvin continued to take their 4-year-old son to Mina Yuh’s tomb, leading the child to believe that Mina Yuh is his biological mother.
In the affidavit, Sandra emphasizes that the Affidavit of Consent she provided to her husband on January 22, 2020, was obtained through fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation. Hence, she officially withdraws her consent through this deposition, urging relevant authorities such as the Danish Embassy, INTERPOL, Danish Immigration Service, NAPTIP, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and BKA Germany to take note of her decision for official records.
Sandra’s statement concludes with an affirmation that her affidavit is made in good faith and in accordance with the Oath Law Cap. 01 LFN, 2004.
When approached for comment, Kelvin Martins’ counsel, Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq, simply stated, “Kelvin says he has nothing to say.”