The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a one-week-old baby girl who was allegedly sold for ₦1.7 million in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, the baby’s 25-year-old mother, identified as Peace Elijah, received ₦350,000 as her share of the proceeds from the illegal transaction.
Ikenga explained that the operation was conducted by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.
During the operation, police arrested the baby’s mother and three other women suspected of facilitating the sale. The suspects were identified as Elizabeth Okafor (62), Esther Nweke (48), and Ngozi Maanfa (45).
“The team stormed a location identified as Mama Maternity, situated in Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi LGA, where the suspects were apprehended,” Ikenga said.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered that the case be transferred to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a discreet investigation.
Ikenga assured that the rescued baby is currently in safe custody while investigations continue.
