Anambra Mother and Accomplice Arrested for Selling Baby for ₦2.9 Million

The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency, along 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 child’s mother, identified as Miss Chioma, shared her story during questioning at the SASA office on Friday. She said that shortly after giving birth, her accomplice, Precious Uchenna, who is also described as a prophetess, took care of the baby and helped with the illegal sale, along with another person.

Chioma stated that she received ₦300,000 from the deal, while the rest stayed with her accomplice. She added that after the sale, the prophetess rented a place for her, and the child was given to another woman.

In her defense during questioning, the accomplice claimed her actions were to help the mother, who she said was facing tough times. However, she could not explain why she only gave Chioma ₦300,000 from the ₦2.5 million made from selling the baby.

She mentioned that she earlier provided a home for the young mother after Chioma was reportedly turned away by her family during the pregnancy.

After the questioning, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency, Monday Nwokoye, said SASA operatives arrested the suspects with help from community members. This followed intelligence reports about illegal adoption of newborns.

Nwokoye said, “The suspects were arrested in different locations by SASA Women and Child Trafficking Investigation Unit. This act is condemnable. No one has the right to give away a child or adopt a child through private deals without proper government procedures and law enforcement.”

He added, “This is child trafficking disguised as religion. It is concerning that some exploit people's faith to commit serious crimes. We urge the public to stay alert.”

He encouraged people to report suspicious activities, saying, “When you see something, say something. Your information can help save lives and protect innocent people.”

Nwokoye also stated that the state government has a zero-tolerance policy against touting, child trafficking, kidnapping, cultism, and all forms of crime. He assured residents that the government will continue to support security agencies in maintaining peace and safety.

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

The agency reported that the baby was found and rescued unharmed. Officials confirmed that the child is safe and receiving care while legal processes continue.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinyere Onyekesi, confirmed the situation. She said the discovery was made with help from SASA operatives.

Onyekesi said preliminary findings showed that the infant, born to a young woman from Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area, was sold for ₦2.9 million. She noted that the biological mother received ₦300,000 from the sale, while the rest stayed with the prime suspect.

Condemning the act, Onyekesi emphasized that no one has the authority to transfer a child's custody through private deals. She said issues about adoption, child custody, and child welfare must follow legal procedures.

Onyekesi said, “The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo-led government is committed to fighting child trafficking and other forms of child exploitation. Anyone found guilty will face the law.”

She praised the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency for their role in uncovering the crime. The main suspect, the woman who received the baby, and the biological mother have been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reiterating the Ministry’s stance against child trafficking in Anambra State, the commissioner urged the public to report suspicious activities involving children to the right authorities instead of trying to handle such matters privately.

Currently, videos circulating on social media show the suspects being questioned at the commissioner’s office in Awka earlier this week. As of now, police authorities have not released an official statement on the issue.