The Ebonyi State Police Command has detained a man identified as Chukwuma Onwe for allegedly selling his five-day-old son for N1.5 million.
Onwe, who hails from Nwezenyi-Igbeagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area, was arrested following an alert raised by his would-be wife, Philomena Iroko. She informed a neighbour, who then contacted the police about the incident.
The baby was reportedly sold to a woman identified as Chinyere Ugochukwu, who has also been apprehended by the authorities.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, told NAN in Abakaliki that the infant had been recovered from the buyer.
Ukandu noted that both the father and the alleged buyer were arrested on Friday at the Azugwu area of Abakaliki.
“Yes, he, Onwe has been arrested and is currently in our custody. We are going to commence investigation into the matter,” the PPRO said.
Iroko, the baby’s mother, said her partner took the newborn without her consent and deceived her about the child’s whereabouts.
“The man, who is yet to be my husband, took the child and lied to me that he gave the baby to his sister for further care,” she said.
She explained that she only discovered the truth after learning that the baby had already been exchanged for money.
“Thank God, my son has been recovered and he is healthy. I commend the Nigeria Police Force,” she said.
She appealed to the public for support in caring for her child, expressing distress over her current situation.
“The father of my son told me that he will marry me but I didn’t know that he was deceiving me all the while.
“Look at me, where will I run to. No husband and no one to take care of my baby.
“I am begging the state government and individuals to come to my assistance,” she added.