Police in Delta State have uncovered that the reported abduction of a two-month-old baby along the NNPC Link Road in Ekpan was staged, after investigations revealed that the child’s mother sold the infant to a pastor and his wife for N1.5 million.
The incident was initially reported on Monday at about 4 p.m., when the baby’s mother, identified as Successful Rita, claimed that suspected gunmen operating in a commercial tricycle, popularly known as a keke, snatched her child during a trip from Shaguolor Junction to Airport Road in Ekpan.
According to her earlier account, two passengers—a man and a woman—were seated at the back of the tricycle when the male passenger allegedly produced a gun near the NNPC Link Road, close to Delta Careers College, and forcefully took her baby, identified as Riches, before pushing her and her other child out of the vehicle.
However, the narrative took a dramatic turn following a discreet investigation by police detectives attached to the Ekpan Police Station, working with the Area Commander, Aliyu Shaba. Family members of the baby, who raised suspicions about inconsistencies in the woman’s story, also alerted authorities.
After prolonged questioning, the mother reportedly confessed that no abduction took place and that she had sold the baby for N1.5 million to Valentine Osezie, the General Overseer of Believers Praise Ministry located on Urhoboghara Street, Agbarho, and his wife.
Police operatives subsequently arrested the pastor and his wife and successfully recovered the baby during a raid. The child was confirmed to be safe and is currently in police custody.
As of the time of this report, the baby’s mother, Successful Rita, alongside Pastor Osezie and his wife, are being detained at the Ekpan Police Station as investigations continue and possible charges are being prepared.
