The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a one-week-old baby girl allegedly sold for ₦1.7 million in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, disclosing that the baby’s 25-year-old mother, identified as Peace Elijah, received ₦350,000 as her share of the proceeds from the sale.
Ikenga said the operation was carried out by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu following credible intelligence on the suspected baby trafficking ring.
“The team stormed a location identified as Mama Maternity, situated in Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi LGA, where the suspects were apprehended,” he stated.
According to the police, three women who allegedly facilitated the illegal transaction were arrested alongside the baby’s mother. They were identified as Elizabeth Okafor (62), Esther Nweke (48), and Ngozi Maanfa (45).
Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered that the case be transferred to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for discreet investigation.
He assured that the rescued infant is in safe custody, while investigations continue to unravel the full network behind the crime.
“The Command remains committed to protecting the rights of women and children in the state and will ensure that all those involved in this illegal act are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
