A 48-year-old man, Anthony Igbinogun, and his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, 28, have been arrested.
They were arrested for allegedly selling their one-month-old baby to fund their drug addiction.
According to the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, the illegal deal was facilitated by 26-year-old Precious James.
James linked them to the baby’s buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, and the baby was sold for N1.7 million.
Speaking on the development, the head of the Investigation Unit of the Taskforce, Abigail Ihonre, said:
“Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, the baby’s mother, delivered the baby in April 2023 and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7 million. She has confessed to the crime of selling the baby.
“Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the buyers and the baby as the matter will be charged to Court latest on Monday 26th, June 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“The suspects said they carried out the dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby.
“These people are alleged drug addicts, and when it was clear they couldn’t take care of the baby, they decided to sell him. But that wasn’t the best option for them as the decision may destroy their lives.
Going further, she appealed to parents to endeavour to take care of their children.
She added:
“The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison. I urge those that can’t take care of their babies not to sell but bring such to the office of Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking.
Selling that child is not a good option as the outcome may end you in prison.”
