10 hours ago
2
The Anambra state police command has rescued a one-week-old baby girl allegedly sold for N1.7 million in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development, said the baby’s 25-year-old mother, identified as Peace Elijah, received N350,000 as part of the proceeds from the sale.
According to Ikenga, the operation was carried out by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at Awkuzu following credible intelligence. He said police operatives arrested the baby’s mother alongside three other women suspected to have facilitated the illegal transaction.
The suspects were identified as Elizabeth Okafor (62), Esther Nweke (48), and Ngozi Maanfa (45).
“The team stormed a location identified as Mama Maternity, situated in Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi LGA, where the suspects were apprehended,” Ikenga stated.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed 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 as investigations continue.
