The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Chukwuma Onwe for allegedly selling his five-day-old son for ₦1.5 million.
Onwe, who hails from Nwezenyi-Igbeagu in the Izzi Local Government Area, was reportedly exposed by his partner, Philomena Iroko, after she discovered he had sold their newborn. Shocked by the revelation, Iroko confided in a neighbour, who promptly alerted the police. Officers later arrested Onwe and the suspected buyer, Chinyere Ugochukwu, in the Azugwu area of Abakaliki.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that the baby had been safely recovered. “Yes, the suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing,” Ukandu confirmed.
Speaking about the ordeal, Iroko explained that Onwe deceived her by claiming he was taking the baby to his sister for care. “I had no idea he sold our child. I thank God my baby has been rescued and is doing fine,” she said, appealing for help from well-meaning Nigerians and the government to raise her child.
This incident highlights the alarming rise in child trafficking across the country. Earlier this year, a couple in Akwa Ibom State was also apprehended for allegedly selling their baby for ₦450,000, according to police rpeorts.
