Mother, Prophetess Arrested for Selling Newborn for N2.9m in Anambra

The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA), in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, has arrested a mother and her accomplice for selling her baby for N2.9m in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The Managing Director of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency, Monday Nwokoye, said SASA operatives arrested the suspects in collaboration with community members after intelligence gathering, following reports of illegal adoption of a newborn baby.

"The suspects were arrested in different locations by SASA Women and Child Trafficking Investigation Unit. This is a condemnable act. No individual has the authority to transfer the custody of a child or adopt a child through 'private arrangements' without the involvement of the appropriate government agencies and law enforcement authorities," Nwokoye said.

The mother of the child, identified simply as Miss Chioma, narrating her story during interrogation at SASA's office on Friday, said shortly after she gave birth, her accomplice, also said to be a ‘prophetess,’ Precious Uchenna, took custody of the baby and facilitated the illegal sale alongside one other person.

She explained that she received N300,000 from the transaction while the remaining balance was retained by the accomplice, adding that after the transaction, the prophetess rented an apartment for her while the child was handed over to another woman.

However, in her own response during the interrogation, the accomplice, said to be the prime suspect, claimed that her actions were motivated by a desire to assist the child's mother, who, according to her, was experiencing difficult circumstances.

She said she had earlier provided accommodation for the young mother after the mother was allegedly rejected by her family members during the pregnancy.

She could not, however, justify why she gave the mother only N300,000 out of the N2.5m made from the sale of the baby while keeping the remaining balance to herself.

Nwokoye said, "This is child trafficking carried out under the guise of religion. It is a serious concern that some individuals exploit people's faith and trust to commit serious crimes, and we urge members of the public to remain vigilant.

"When you see something, say something. Do not keep silent when you notice suspicious activities. Your timely information can help save lives and protect innocent people.

"The state government has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against touting, child trafficking, kidnapping, cultism and every form of criminal activity. And we assure residents that the government will continue to support security agencies in restoring peace and protecting lives and property."

He added, "Following the interviews and preliminary investigation, the suspects were officially handed over to the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for further investigation and appropriate legal action."

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinyere Onyekesi, said the discovery was made with the assistance of SASA operatives.

Condemning the act, Onyekesi maintained that no individual has the authority to transfer the custody of a child through private arrangements, adding that matters relating to adoption, child custody and child welfare must always be handled in accordance with established legal procedures.

The agency also revealed that the baby was successfully traced and rescued unharmed, and is receiving the necessary care while legal processes continue.