A woman identified simply as Chioma has been arrested by the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency, SASA, over allegations of selling her baby for financial gain.
The agency in an enforcement carried out alongside the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and social welfare nabbed Chioma, alongside her accomplice, a prophetes, Precious Uchenna, stating former sold her baby for N2.9 million, adding that the act is a contravention to the state’s laws.
Both bodies stated that the duo committed the offence in Idemili North Local Government Area, shortly after the first accused gave birth to the child, the clergywoman, agreeing to take custody of the baby and facilitated the dastardly act alongside a fleeing suspect.
Chioma uttered that she got 300,000 in the transaction, adding that the balance was returned by her accomplice, the child handed out to a buyer.
The suspects spoke in line of the accusations, Chioma, expressing displeasure over the N300,000 after the buyer had played N2.5 million, Uchenna, saying that she rented her an apartment for her while pregnant, and acted in line after the former bemoaned financial difficulties and was rejected by her family.
SASA Managing Director, Monday Nwokoye, on Friday, said that the arrests were held in different locations and added, ”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.
“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,” Nwokoye said.
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.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinyere Onyekesi, said that the baby was recovered unscathed and receiving necessary care while legal processes continue, adding that the duo have been handed over to the police.