The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for ₦2 million and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered.
The alleged child trafficking incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan, with police confirming that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other people suspected of involvement.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday following a report about the baby’s disappearance.
According to the police, the case was reported on October 15 by Mary Amos, a resident of the Ogunwade area of Ido, who raised concerns about the disappearance of her granddaughter.
During the investigation, the baby’s mother, identified only as Cecilia in the report, allegedly implicated the owner of the health facility, 40-year-old Dr Adeleke Ebenezer, and another suspect, Hassan Oludunni.
Cecilia reportedly alleged that Oludunni lured her into the arrangement and facilitated the sale of the child to another person identified as Odunayo Folawewo.
The police said the allegations formed part of the information obtained during their investigation. The full circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been established in court.
Investigators reportedly found that the alleged transaction involved ₦2 million.
According to the police account, Cecilia allegedly received ₦1 million, while Adeleke and Oludunni each received ₦500,000.
Following the investigation, police operatives rescued the baby girl and arrested Adeleke. Authorities said efforts were continuing to locate Folawewo and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the incident.
The police have not announced the arrest of all the people named in the allegations.The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable people, urging residents to report suspected cases of child trafficking and related offences promptly.
The rescue underscores the importance of reporting missing children and suspicious activities involving the transfer or custody of minors to the relevant authorities.
Child trafficking is a serious criminal matter, and the police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the baby’s disappearance, the alleged payment and the roles of those implicated.
The rescued child’s welfare and safety remain central concerns as the investigation continues.
The suspects’ alleged involvement remains subject to the outcome of police investigations and any subsequent court proceedings.
Visit www.rapidospace.com for more Nigerian crime, security and human-interest news.
