The Delta State Police Command has arrested three women in Asaba, Delta State, for selling a one-week-old baby.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest in a video made available to our correspondent on Monday.
In the five-minute clip, featuring the baby’s mother and the other suspects, Edafe revealed that the mother handed over the child to one of the suspects, who admitted to selling the baby for ₦3.5 million and giving the mother ₦600,000. However, the buyer (name withheld) claimed she paid ₦4 million.
He said: “We have noticed a rise in baby trafficking and are committed to tackling it. Recently, three women were caught attempting to transport three babies to Abuja via Asaba International Airport. Fortunately, they were intercepted.
“Today, we have another three suspects, including the mother of a one-week-old baby. She handed the child to the woman on the left, who then sold the baby to the woman in the middle for ₦4 million.
“While she claims to have received ₦3.5 million, the buyer insists she paid ₦4 million. Regardless, the woman who sold the baby gave the mother less than ₦600,000.
“When the mother returned to those who had supported her during pregnancy, they noticed the baby was missing. Upon questioning, she admitted to selling the child for ₦600,000. She and the other suspects were subsequently arrested.”
The mother, 25-year-old Mrs Rachel from Asaba, said she gave the baby away as she could not afford to care for two children alone.
Explaining her decision, she said: “I have two children—a boy and a girl—including the one I just gave away. I gave birth on 26th January.
“I had no support, as the baby’s father denied responsibility. I survived my pregnancy by doing house chores for people.
“During that time, I met Miss Patrick and begged for help, as I could not manage two babies. She sold the baby and gave me ₦600,000 but kept ₦30,000 for herself, leaving me with ₦570,000.”
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Miss Patrick admitted: “I sold the baby for ₦3.5 million. I gave the mother ₦600,000 and deducted ₦30,000 she owed me. The rest of the money is still in my account.”
The buyer, from Ika Local Government, said she had expressed interest in adopting a child legally, but no official documentation was signed before the baby was handed over to her.
