The Delta State Police Command has arrested three women involved in the sale of an 11-day-old infant for N4 million.
Superintendent Edafe Bright, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrests, revealing that the suspects had confessed to their roles in the illicit trade.
The baby’s mother, identified as Rachael, disclosed that she was deceived by a woman who initially posed as a Good Samaritan after she gave birth.
Under the guise of offering help, the woman manipulated her into selling the child for N600,000, only for the baby to be resold for millions.
Suspicious neighbours, who had supported Rachael during her pregnancy, grew alarmed when they noticed she was suddenly without her newborn.
Their concerns led to an investigation, during which Rachael admitted to selling the child, ultimately exposing the horrifying transaction.
Further police inquiries revealed that the intermediary who brokered the deal resold the baby for ₦3.5 million, handing Rachael only ₦570,000 after deducting a ₦30,000 debt she owed.
Superintendent Bright, in a statement, decried the rising cases of baby trafficking, vowing that the police would intensify their crackdown on the illegal trade.
“We have realized that baby factory operations are increasing, and we are going to fight it head-on,” he declared.
He also referenced a recent case in which three women were caught attempting to smuggle infants through Asaba International Airport.
“Today, we have arrested three suspects—the mother of the infant, the first recipient, and the final buyer. The intermediary sold the child for ₦4 million but claimed she only received ₦3.5 million. Shockingly, the mother got less than ₦600,000,” he added.
He said authorities have assured that all those involved will face the full wrath of the law as investigations continue into the syndicate’s network.
