By Stan Okoye
The Commissioner
of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Fatai Tijani has ordered
a full-scale investigation after police uncovered an alleged scheme in which a
newborn baby was reportedly sold for N2.5 million shortly after birth in Lagos.
The disturbing case has led to the arrest of a
medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, the baby’s 28-year-old mother
and her boyfriend. All four are currently in police custody as investigators
work to locate the missing child and identify the buyer.
According to police
findings, the young couple allegedly decided before the birth that they did not
want to keep the baby. They reportedly began searching for people who could
help arrange a buyer and eventually made contact with a prospective purchaser
in Ikorodu through intermediaries.
The
expectant mother was first taken to a traditional birth attendant to deliver
the baby. However, when complications arose during labour, she was rushed to a
private hospital in Ikorodu.
At the
hospital, a 31-year-old doctor allegedly carried out a successful Caesarean section,
saving both mother and child.
Police
sources said that shortly after the baby was delivered, the alleged sale was
completed within the hospital premises. The newborn was then handed over to a
buyer in exchange for N2.5 million.
The
matter reportedly remained hidden until disagreements emerged over the payment.
Investigators said the mother allegedly received only N700,000 from the agreed
amount and became unhappy over the unpaid balance.
Her
complaints eventually drew attention to the arrangement. The situation later
came to the notice of some non-governmental organisations, which alerted the
police and triggered an investigation.
The
Lagos State Commissioner of Police subsequently directed that the case be moved
from Area E Command, Festac, to the State Criminal Investigation Department for
a more detailed probe.
The
Anti-Human Trafficking and Gender Unit of the SCID is now handling the
investigation under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo
Akinbisehin.
Police
said attempts to trace the suspected buyer have so far failed because the
address and phone number provided turned out to be false.
Authorities say investigations are continuing into
allegations of conspiracy, child trafficking and child stealing. The suspects
are expected to face prosecution when investigations are completed, while
efforts remain underway to find the buyer and safely recover the missing baby.
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