WARRI: The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old woman, Rita Ughale, for allegedly faking the abduction of her two-month-old baby after selling the child for ₦1.5 million.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the suspect, who hails from Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area, reported at the Ekpan Police Division on December 15 at about 6:40 pm, claiming that her baby was snatched from her during a robbery while she was travelling in a tricycle.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised officers and launched a search-and-rescue operation to locate the missing infant.
However, during the investigation, police noticed inconsistencies and suspicious behaviour in the woman’s account. Further interrogation led to her confession that the alleged abduction was staged.
SP Edafe disclosed that the suspect admitted to selling her two-month-old baby to Osas Omijie (39) and Judith Omijie (30) for the sum of ₦1.5 million.
The complainant later confessed that the report was false and revealed that she had sold her child, Edafe stated.
He added that the buyers were arrested, while the baby was successfully rescued and is currently safe.
All suspects are now in police custody as investigations continue, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other accomplices involved in the crime.
The police say the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
