Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for N2 million and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.
The suspects include the mother of the baby and the owner of a private health facility in Ibadan.
Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, October 17. He said the case came to light after a grandmother reported the suspicious disappearance of her grandchild.
According to the police, the complaint was lodged on October 15 by one Mary Amos, a resident of Ogunwade in Ido Local Government Area. Amos told the police that her 23-year-old daughter, Cecilia Amos, gave birth to a baby girl on September 6 at Ebepraise Health Centre, Ido, but vanished with the child about seven days after delivery without any convincing explanation.
The unusual disappearance prompted operatives to pick up Cecilia for questioning.
During interrogation, she allegedly confessed and linked Dr. Adeleke Ebenezer, 40, the proprietor of the health centre, and one Hassan Oludunni to the deal. She claimed they convinced her to sell the baby and arranged a buyer identified as Odunayo Folawewo.
Investigations showed that N2 million was paid for the infant. Out of the sum, Cecilia was said to have taken N1 million, while Adeleke and Oludunni allegedly shared N500,000 each.
The police said the baby has been safely recovered and Dr. Adeleke is now in custody. A manhunt is ongoing for Folawewo and Oludunni to bring them to justice.
The command urged residents to promptly report any suspected cases of child trafficking, adding that it remains committed to protecting children and other vulnerable persons in the state.
Leave a comment