Doctor, Traditional Birth Attendant, Three Others Arrested Over Sale of Newborn Baby for N2.5m in Lagos
By The The The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and two other suspects over their alleged involvement in the sale of a newborn baby for N2.5 million.
The case, which was initially reported at the Area E Command, Festac, was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, on June 1 for further investigation into allegations of conspiracy, stealing, and child trafficking.
The investigation is being conducted by detectives from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Gender Unit under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin.
Investigations revealed that the baby’s 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend allegedly decided not to keep the child and subsequently sought individuals who could facilitate the sale of the baby after birth.
The couple was reportedly linked to a prospective buyer in Ikorodu through intermediaries.
According to police findings, the pregnant woman was initially taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery. However, due to complications during labour, she was referred to a private hospital operated by a medical doctor, where she successfully underwent a Caesarean section, saving both her life and that of the baby.
Shortly after the delivery, arrangements were allegedly concluded within the hospital premises for the sale of the newborn to an unidentified buyer for N2.5 million. The baby was subsequently handed over to the buyer, who remains at large.
A police source disclosed that efforts to trace the suspect have so far been unsuccessful, as the address and telephone number provided by the alleged buyer were discovered to be false.
“The information supplied by the person who took the baby turned out to be non-existent. The address could not be traced, and the phone number was incorrect,” the source said.
Investigators further revealed that the baby’s mother had initially consented to the arrangement. However, the transaction reportedly became contentious after she allegedly received only N700,000 out of the agreed N2.5 million payment.
The matter came to light after the woman reportedly raised concerns over the unpaid balance. Some non-governmental organisations later became involved and reported the case to the police, prompting a full-scale investigation.
Police identified one of the principal suspects as a 31-year-old medical doctor who had been in practice for about four years. Another woman alleged to have facilitated the transaction, as well as the buyer of the baby, are currently on the run.
During a raid on a residence linked to the suspects, police reportedly found three young girls, two of whom were pregnant, raising suspicions of a possible baby factory operation. This discovery led to further arrests, with several suspects currently in custody as investigations continue.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, recover the missing baby, and ensure that all those involved in the alleged trafficking network are brought to justice.
The command added that suspects already in custody would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The swift intervention of operatives of the Lagos State Police Command underscores the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other forms of criminality, while ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.
