N1.5m Baby Sale: Mother, 7 Others In Police Net For Child Trafficking

Detectives from the Zone 2 Police Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, have arrested one Faith Sunday, a 22-year-old mother and seven members of a child trafficking syndicate for allegedly selling her one-year-old son for N1.5 million in Lagos.

The police revealed that the arrest followed months-long investigation sparked by intelligence received by the Zone 2 Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade.

During interrogation, Faith Sunday stated, “Hunger forced me to sell my child to the syndicate. I want to invest the money in a business.”

She revealed that she sold her son in September 2024 through two accomplices, Mrs Ibezim Chioma and Sunday Okputu, to a buyer in the Alausa area of Ikeja in Lagos.

Speaking during the parade of the suspects, the head of the Zonal Anti-Crime Unit, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale disclosed that the syndicate’s operations showed that they were specialists in child trafficking.

He stated, “The suspects specialised in buying and selling newborns, toddlers, and children of various ages. Sunday Okputu acted as the supplier, while Chioma served as the intermediary.

“The syndicate’s caregiver, Mrs. Chinasa Echellibe, allegedly housed the children until buyers were secured.”

He, however, narrated that Police operatives led by Ngozi Braide, rescued five victims, including one-year-old Marvelous Obi, who was sold by Chioma to Mrs. Ken Obi and Italy-based Mrs. Appulus Marina Oluchi with three-year-old Promise Ifekwuna, purchased for N500,000 by Mrs Ifekwuna Ngozi in 2021.

He added, “Somtochukwu was discovered under the care of Nanny Nwakuba Helen Chinyere, who claimed she was employed by her sister Caroline Enwereji who resides in California, USA.”

DCP Adewale emphasised the syndicate’s transnational links, noting ongoing efforts to apprehend thier fleeing members. “Investigation is still ongoing, and we are working to reunite the rescued children with their families,” he added.

The case has reignited concerns over poverty-driven crime in Lagos State, with authorities vowing to intensify crackdowns on human trafficking networks.