The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for N2 million in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects allegedly involved in the transaction.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, the case came to light on October 15 after Mary Amos, a resident of the Ogunwade area of Ido, reported the disappearance of her granddaughter to the police.
During investigations, the baby’s mother, identified as Cecilia, allegedly implicated the owner of the health facility, a 40-year-old suspect, and another individual in the arrangement.
She reportedly told investigators that the suspects lured her into the deal and facilitated the sale of the infant to a person identified as Odunayo.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the alleged transaction involved N2 million, with Cecilia reportedly receiving N1 million, while the two other suspects allegedly received N500,000 each.
Following the investigation, operatives rescued the baby and arrested the health facility owner, identified as Adeleke.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend another suspect, identified as Folawewo, and bring everyone allegedly connected to the incident to justice.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, urging members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child trafficking and related offences.
“The Oyo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons and urges members of the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking and related offences promptly,” the statement added.
