Delta State Police Command has uncovered a disturbing case that ended on a reassuring note, following the arrest of a woman accused of selling her two-month-old baby for N1.5 million.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development to journalists on Friday in Warri, explaining that the suspect allegedly staged a fake abduction to cover up the crime.
According to Edafe, the incident was reported on Monday along Ekpan Link Road in Uvwie Local Government Area, when the woman claimed her baby was snatched during a robbery while she was travelling in a tricycle.
“The suspect, one Rita Ughale, reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her two-month-old baby was snatched from her during a robbery incident while transiting in a tricycle,” Edafe said.
He noted that following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately swung into action.
“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO immediately mobilised operatives of the division and coordinated a swift search and rescue operation,” he added.
However, what initially appeared to be a case of child abduction soon took a different turn. Edafe revealed that investigators noticed inconsistencies and suspicious behaviour in the woman’s account, which prompted a deeper interrogation.
“During further interrogation, the suspect confessed that the incident was stage-managed,” Edafe stated.
The police spokesperson said the woman admitted she had sold her baby to a couple for N1.5 million, leading to the arrest of the buyers and the successful rescue of the infant.
“The buyers were arrested and the baby has been safely recovered,” he confirmed.
Edafe added that all suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to track down other accomplices connected to the case.
He assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that everyone involved is brought to justice.
