The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, has arrested a woman and her alleged accomplice over the illegal sale of a newborn baby for ₦2.9 million in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The baby’s mother, identified simply as Miss Chioma, told investigators that shortly after giving birth, her alleged accomplice, identified as Precious Uchenna, a self-acclaimed prophetess, took custody of the child and allegedly arranged the baby’s sale with the help of another individual.
According to Chioma, she received ₦300,000 from the transaction, while the alleged prophetess kept the remaining balance. She also claimed that after the sale, the suspect rented an apartment for her, while the baby was handed over to another woman.
During questioning, Uchenna admitted facilitating the arrangement but claimed she acted to assist the young mother, who was facing difficult circumstances after allegedly being abandoned by her family during pregnancy.
However, she was unable to explain why she allegedly retained most of the proceeds from the transaction after giving the child’s mother only ₦300,000.
Speaking to journalists after the suspects were interrogated, the Managing Director of SASA, Monday Nwokoye, said the arrests followed intelligence gathering and reports of the illegal adoption of a newborn.
Nwokoye described the incident as child trafficking disguised as an act of assistance, stressing that no individual has the legal authority to transfer the custody of a child through private arrangements without the involvement of relevant government agencies and law enforcement authorities.
He warned that some individuals exploit religion and public trust to commit serious crimes and urged residents to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
According to him, the Anambra State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against child trafficking, kidnapping, cultism, touting and other criminal activities.
Following preliminary investigations, the suspects were handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare for further investigation and legal action.
Authorities also confirmed that the baby was successfully traced and rescued unharmed. The child is currently receiving appropriate care while investigations continue.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinyere Onyekesi, confirmed the development, revealing that preliminary findings showed the infant, born to a young woman from Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area, was allegedly sold for ₦2.9 million.
She said the biological mother reportedly received only ₦300,000, while the alleged prime suspect retained the remaining funds.
Onyekesi condemned the act, stressing that adoption, child custody and child welfare matters must strictly follow legal procedures and cannot be handled through private arrangements.
She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to combating child trafficking and all forms of child exploitation, warning that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
The commissioner also commended SASA for its swift intervention, which led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of the suspects.
She added that both the biological mother and the alleged accomplice have been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public to promptly report any suspected cases of child trafficking or illegal adoption to the appropriate agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
