Residents of Delta State have been left stunned after police uncovered a disturbing case in which a young mother allegedly sold her two-month-old baby for the sum of N1.5 million.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the woman, identified as Ughale, alongside two other suspects believed to have purchased the infant.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe, the incident began on December 15th when Ughale reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her baby had been snatched during a robbery while she was traveling in a tricycle.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised operatives of the Division and coordinated a swift search and rescue operation,” Edafe explained.
However, investigators soon noticed inconsistencies in her story. Suspicious of her conduct, they pressed further.
During interrogation, Ughale broke down and confessed that the robbery story was fabricated. She admitted to selling her baby to two individuals for N1.5 million.
“The complainant subsequently confessed that the report was staged, and revealed that she had sold her child aged two months old to two other suspects,” Edafe said.
Police swiftly arrested the suspects and rescued the baby, who is now safe.
“The suspects were arrested, and the infant was successfully rescued and is safe. All suspects are currently in custody while investigation continues, with efforts intensified to arrest other accomplices for prosecution,” Edafe assured.
The revelation has sparked outrage and sorrow across Delta State. Many residents expressed disbelief that a mother could sell her own child.
A local resident, Mrs. Grace Okoro, said:
“This is heartbreaking. Poverty is real, but selling a baby is unthinkable. That child deserves love and protection, not to be treated like property.”
Another community leader added:
“We hope justice will be served, and that the baby will be placed in safe hands. This should be a wake-up call about the need for stronger social support systems.”
Police say investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices and determine the full extent of the child trafficking network. The rescued baby is currently under protective custody.