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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Nigerian agency arrests mother, accomplice for selling baby for $2.9 million

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Anambra State authorities arrested a mother and an accomplice for allegedly selling her baby for ₦2.9 million.
  • The mother received ₦300,000, while the accomplice, identified as a "prophetess," kept the remainder.
  • Officials condemned the act as child trafficking disguised as religion and urged public vigilance.

Authorities in Anambra State, Nigeria, have apprehended a mother and her accomplice for the alleged sale of her newborn baby for ₦2.9 million. The incident, which occurred in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area, has brought to light a disturbing case of child trafficking.

The suspects were arrested in different locations by SASA Women and Child Trafficking Investigation Unit. This is a condemnable the act. No individual has the authority to transfer the custody of a child or adopt a child through ‘private arrangements’ without the involvement of the appropriate government agencies and law enforcement authorities.

— Monday NwokoyeThe Managing Director of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) commented on the arrest and condemned the illegal activity.

The mother, identified as Miss Chioma, stated that shortly after giving birth, her accomplice, Precious Uchenna, a self-proclaimed "prophetess," took custody of the baby. Uchenna allegedly facilitated the illegal sale, with Chioma receiving ₦300,000 while Uchenna retained the larger portion of the proceeds. Uchenna reportedly rented an apartment for Chioma and handed the baby over to another woman.

During interrogation, Uchenna claimed her actions were intended to help Chioma, who she said was facing difficult circumstances. However, she could not adequately explain why she kept ₦2.5 million from the sale, giving Chioma only ₦300,000. Uchenna also stated she had provided accommodation for Chioma after her family allegedly rejected her during pregnancy.

This is child trafficking carried out under the guise of religion. It is a serious concern that some individuals exploit people’s faith and trust to commit serious crimes, and we urge members of the public to remain vigilant.

— Monday NwokoyeThe SASA MD highlighted the religious exploitation involved in the crime and urged public awareness.

Monday Nwokoye, Managing Director of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA), confirmed the arrests, made in collaboration with community members following intelligence gathering. He condemned the act as child trafficking under the guise of religion, warning against private adoption arrangements without government agency involvement. Nwokoye emphasized the state government's zero-tolerance policy against criminal activities and urged the public to report suspicious behavior.

When you see something, say something. Do not keep silent when you notice suspicious activities. Your timely information can help save lives and protect innocent people.

— Monday NwokoyeNwokoye encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to aid in preventing such crimes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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