Police arrest doctor, three others for allegedly selling newborn baby

Authorities in Lagos State have apprehended a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and the parents of a newborn baby in connection with the alleged illegal sale of the infant.

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The information supplied by the person who took the baby turned out to be false. The address could not be traced and the phone number was incorrect.

The 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend reportedly agreed to sell their child for N2.5 million (approximately $1,700 USD). However, the deal soured when they allegedly only received N700,000 (approximately $480 USD) of the agreed amount, leading to the exposure of the illicit transaction.

According to reports, the parents initially sought to sell the baby after birth and were connected with a potential buyer in Ikorodu, Lagos State, through intermediaries. The mother delivered the baby via Caesarean section at a private hospital after complications arose during delivery at a traditional birth attendant's facility. The transaction for the newborn was allegedly concluded within the hospital premises shortly after birth.

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The baby’s mother had initially consented to the arrangement. However, the deal went sour after she allegedly received only N700,000 out of the agreed N2.5 million payment.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State has ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of conspiracy, child stealing, and trafficking. While the doctor, birth attendant, and parents are in custody, efforts are ongoing to locate the buyer and rescue the baby. Police sources indicated that the buyer's provided address and phone number were false, complicating the search.

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The matter came to light after the woman raised concerns over the unpaid balance. Some non-governmental organisations later became involved and reported the matter to the police, triggering an investigation.