The police in Oyo State have rescued a one-month-old girl allegedly sold for ₦2m and arrested two people suspected of involvement in the transaction.
Those arrested are the child’s 23-year-old mother, Cecilia Amos, and 40-year-old Adeleke Ebenezer, who owns Ebepraise Health Centre in Ido, where the baby was delivered.
The incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, announced the development in a statement issued on Friday.
The police said the matter came to light on October 15 after Mary Amos, who lives in the Ogunwade area of Ido, reported that her daughter had disappeared with her newborn.
According to the report, Cecilia gave birth to the girl on September 6 at Ebepraise Health Centre but left with the child about a week later.
Her mother reportedly became suspicious after Cecilia could not satisfactorily explain where the baby was.
Following the complaint, police officers arrested Cecilia for questioning. During interrogation, she allegedly told investigators that Ebenezer and another suspect, Hassan Oludunni, had persuaded her to take part in the arrangement.
The police alleged that the two men helped facilitate the sale of the child to a person identified as Odunayo Folawewo.
Investigators said the baby was sold for ₦2m, with Cecilia allegedly receiving ₦1m, while Ebenezer and Oludunni reportedly got ₦500,000 each.
The baby was subsequently recovered by the police, while Ebenezer was arrested in connection with the case.
The command said efforts were underway to locate Folawewo and arrest other people suspected of participating in the alleged child sale.
The police also urged members of the public to report suspected child trafficking cases and other offences involving vulnerable people.
Residents can report incidents through the Oyo State Call Response Centre’s toll-free number, 615, or contact the police control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.