By Deborah Nnamdi
The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended five individuals in connection with the abduction and illegal sale of a two-week-old baby for N3 million.
Among those arrested is a woman who had been entrusted with the care of the teenage mother of the infant. The suspects are currently in custody following an in-depth investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
According to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, the case was first reported at the Ajah Police Division on May 5. A man had alerted authorities that his 16-year-old cousin, identified as Miss Happiness, had become pregnant by an unidentified person. Due to financial constraints, the complainant’s mother entrusted the pregnant teen to a woman named Nonye Osi for shelter and support during her pregnancy.
However, police investigations later revealed that Osi had conspired with others to move the girl to an unknown location. When she was eventually located, she was no longer pregnant, and the newborn was missing.
The case was transferred to the SCID for further investigation, leading to the arrest of five suspects: Nonye Osi, Akintan Adedayo, Jimoh Bashiru, Elizabeth Bishop, and Bukola Oladapo. Police discovered that the group had conspired to sell the infant.
Following extensive efforts, the baby boy was safely recovered in the Agemuwo area of Badagry. Hundeyin confirmed that the child was found in good health.
The case is now being handled by the Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, which is providing care for the infant while arrangements are made for his reunion with his biological mother.
CSP Hundeyin reaffirmed the Lagos Police Command’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare of all residents.
