Crime suspect in police handcuff
A shocking incident has come to light in Ebonyi State, where police have arrested a man identified as Chukwuma Onwe for allegedly selling his five-day-old son for N1.5 million.
The suspect, a native of Nwezenyi-Igbeagu in Izzi Local Government Area, was exposed after his partner, Philomena Iroko, raised an alarm. According to reports, Iroko confided in a neighbour who promptly contacted the authorities.
The newborn was reportedly sold to a woman named Chinyere Ugochukwu, who has also been taken into custody. Both Onwe and Ugochukwu were arrested on Friday in the Azugwu area of Abakaliki.
Confirming the incident, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that the baby has since been rescued and is now safe.
> “Yes, Onwe has been arrested and is currently in our custody. We are going to commence investigation into the matter,” Ukandu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Recounting her ordeal, Iroko expressed shock and betrayal. She said Onwe deceived her by claiming the baby was being taken to his sister for care.
> “The man, who is yet to be my husband, took the child and lied to me that he gave the baby to his sister for further care,” she said.
“I did not know that the woman he gave my son to had already paid him in exchange for my 5-day-old baby. Thank God, my son has been recovered and he is healthy. I commend the Nigeria Police Force.”
Iroko, clearly distressed, pleaded for public assistance to help raise her child.
> “The father of my son told me that he will marry me but I didn’t know that he was deceiving me all the while.
Look at me, where will I run to? No husband and no one to take care of my baby. I am begging the state government and individuals to come to my assistance,” she appealed.
Police said investigations are ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court.
