The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a middle-aged man, identified as Chukwuma Onwe, for allegedly selling his five-day-old baby boy for ₦1.5 million.
The suspect, a native of Nwezenyi-Igbeagu community in Izzi Local Government Area, was apprehended after his partner, Philomena Iroko, raised an alarm about the disappearance of their newborn.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the baby was recovered from the buyer, Mrs. Chinyere Ugochukwu, following swift police intervention.
Ukandu, who confirmed the arrest in Abakaliki on Saturday, said both the father and the alleged buyer were taken into custody at the Azugwu area of Abakaliki.
“Yes, the suspect has been arrested and is currently in our custody. The baby has been safely recovered from the woman who allegedly bought him. Investigation into the incident has commenced,” Ukandu stated.
Narrating her ordeal, Iroko said she was deceived by her partner, who had promised to marry her before the shocking incident occurred.
“He told me he was taking the baby to his sister to help take care of him. I didn’t know he had already sold my five-day-old son. It was when my neighbour noticed something strange and informed the police that I discovered the truth,” she recounted tearfully.
She expressed gratitude to the police for rescuing her child but pleaded for financial support to raise the baby.
“Thank God my son has been found and is healthy. I don’t have anyone to help me now. The man lied that he would marry me, but he was only deceiving me. I am appealing to the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to help me take care of my baby,” she said.
The police spokesman assured that the suspects would face the full weight of the law once investigations are concluded.
This incident comes months after a similar case in Akwa Ibom State, where a couple was arrested for allegedly selling their infant for ₦450,000.
