The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for ₦2 million in Ibadan and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered.
The incident reportedly occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State. Police said investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged child trafficking case.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the development in a statement following a report about the baby’s disappearance.
How the Alleged Baby Sale Was Discovered
According to the police, the case was reported on October 15 by Mary Amos, a resident of the Ogunwade area of Ido, who raised concerns over the disappearance of her granddaughter.
Following the report, officers began investigations that led them to the child’s mother, identified as Cecilia, who allegedly implicated the owner of the health facility and another individual.
Police said the mother alleged that she had been persuaded to participate in the arrangement, which reportedly resulted in the baby being transferred to a woman identified as Odunayo.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and transfer are now under investigation.
How the ₦2 Million Was Allegedly Shared
Preliminary police findings indicated that the alleged transaction involved ₦2 million.
According to reports citing the police investigation, the child’s mother allegedly received ₦1 million, while two other individuals reportedly received ₦500,000 each.
The health facility owner, identified in reports as Adeleke Ebenezer, was among those arrested. Police said efforts were continuing to apprehend another suspect identified in reports as Folawewo.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence as investigations continue.
Police Continue Investigation
The Oyo State Police Command said it was working to identify everyone allegedly connected to the incident and ensure that those suspected of criminal involvement were brought before the appropriate authorities.
The command also reiterated its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society.
Police urged members of the public to report suspected child trafficking and related offences promptly, stressing the importance of community cooperation in preventing crimes involving children.
Child Protection Remains a Concern
The case has renewed attention on the need to protect infants and ensure that concerns about a child’s disappearance are reported quickly to the authorities.
Members of the public who suspect child trafficking or the unlawful transfer of a child should contact the police or appropriate child-protection authorities rather than attempting to investigate suspected offenders themselves.
As the investigation continues, police are expected to establish the roles of the arrested suspects and pursue others allegedly connected to the case.
The immediate priority remains the safety and welfare of the rescued baby, while the authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.