The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, has arrested a mother and her accomplice for selling her baby for ₦2.9 million in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The mother of the child, identified simply as Miss Chioma, while narrating her story during interrogation at the SASA’s office, on Friday, said shortly after she gave birth, her accomplice, who is also said to be a “prophetess”, Precious Uchenna, took custody of the baby, where she facilitated the illegal sale of a baby, alongside one other person.

She explained that she received ₦300,000 from the transaction, while the remaining balance was retained by the accomplice, adding that after the transaction, the prophetess rented an apartment for her, while the child was handed over to another woman.

However, in her own response during the interrogation, the accomplice, said to be the prime suspect, claimed that her actions were motivated by a desire to assist the child’s mother, who, according to her, was experiencing difficult .

When asked further, she, however, could not justify why she gave the mother of the child only ₦300,000 from ₦2.5 million made from the sale of the baby and kept the remaining balance to herself.

She said she had earlier provided accommodation for the young mother after she was allegedly rejected by her family members during the pregnancy.

Speaking with journalists after the cross-examinations, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency, Monday Nwokoye, said SASA operatives arrested the suspects in collaboration with community members after intelligence gathering, following reports of illegal adoption of a new born baby.

Nwokoye said, “The suspects were arrested in different locations by SASA Women and Child Trafficking Investigation Unit. This is a condemnable the act. No individual has the authority to transfer the custody of a child or adopt a child through ‘private arrangements’ without the involvement of the appropriate government agencies and law enforcement authorities.

“This is child trafficking carried out under the guise of religion. It is a serious concern that some individuals exploit people’s faith and trust to commit serious crimes, and we urge members of the public to remain vigilant.

“When you see something, say something. Do not keep silent when you notice suspicious activities. Your timely information can help save lives and protect innocent people.

“The state government has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against touting, child trafficking, kidnapping, cultism and every form of criminal activity. And we assure residents that the government will continue to support security agencies in restoring peace and protecting lives and property.”

He encouraged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly, stressing that public participation remains essential in winning the fight against crime.

“Following the interviews and preliminary investigation, the suspects were officially handed over to the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” he added.

The agency also revealed that the baby was successfully traced and rescued unharmed. Officials confirmed that the child was found safe and is receiving the necessary care while legal processes continue.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinyere Onyekesi, confirmed the development, adding that the discovery was made with the assistance of operatives of SASA.

According to the Commissioner, preliminary findings revealed that the infant, who was born by a young woman from Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state, was allegedly sold for the sum of ₦2.9 million.

She explained that the biological mother reportedly received ₦300,000 from the transaction, while the remaining balance was allegedly retained by the prime suspect.

Condemning the act, Onyekesi maintained that no individual has the authority to transfer the custody of a child through private arrangements, adding that matters relating to adoption, child custody and child welfare must always be handled in accordance with established legal procedures.

Onyekesi said, “The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo-led government is commitment to combating child trafficking and other forms of child exploitation. Anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“We commend the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency for its intervention, which ultimately led to the discovery of the alleged crime.

“The principal suspect, the woman who received the baby and the child’s biological mother had all been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

While reiterating the Ministry’s stand against any form of child trafficking in Anambra State, the commissioner also appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the appropriate authorities rather than attempting to resolve such matters privately.

Meanwhile, videos currently circulating on social media showed the suspects being interrogated at the commissioner’s office in Awka over the week.

As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the matter. (Punch)