Anambra police have rescued a one-week-old baby reportedly sold for N1.7 million at a maternity home in Awkuzu.
Four women, including the baby’s mother, were arrested in connection with the case.
Police operatives from the Anambra State Command have rescued a one-week-old baby girl who was allegedly sold for N1.7 million in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), followed credible intelligence that led to the discovery of the illegal transaction at a maternity home known as “Mama Maternity” in Ifite-Awkuzu.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the baby’s mother was paid N350,000, while three other women suspected to be behind the sale and purchase were also arrested. The suspects were identified as 62-year-old Elizabeth Okafor, 48-year-old Esther Nweke, and 45-year-old Ngozi Maanfa.
Ikenga said the prompt response of the RRS team led to the safe recovery of the infant and the arrest of all suspects involved. 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) in Awka for a detailed investigation.
The police spokesperson assured that the command remains committed to fighting child trafficking and other crimes in the state, while efforts are ongoing to ensure justice for the rescued baby.
