The Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking has apprehended a 48-year-old man, Anthony Igbinogun, and his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, 28, for allegedly selling their one-month-old baby to fund their drug addiction.
The suspects were arrested with their friend, 26-year-old Precious James, who facilitated the illegal transaction and linked them to the baby’s buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Briefing journalists in Benin City, the Head of the Investigation Unit of the Taskforce, Abigail Ihonre, said the baby was sold for N1.7 million, noting that investigation was ongoing to rescue the baby and also apprehend the buyer.
According to Ihonre, “our investigations revealed that Umukoro, the mother of the baby, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell the baby for N1.7 million. She has confessed to the crime.”
She noted: “Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the buyers and the baby as the matter will be charged to Court latest on Monday, June 26, 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“The suspects said they carried out the dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby. These people are alleged drug addicts and when it was clear that they couldn’t take care of the baby, they decided to sell him. But that wasn’t the best option for them as the decision may destroy their lives.”
The baby’s mother confessed to the police that they sold the baby to a willing buyer in Port Harcourt for N700, 000, noting that N500, 000 was paid cash; N170, 000 was given to the agent that took her to the buyer while others were used for drugs.
“After giving birth to the baby, life became very difficult and I approached my friend to help me with a buyer and she gave me the link. I traveled to Port Harcourt with another woman and sold the baby for N700, 000. The drugs I take are the cause. I also sent some money to my other two children for upkeep and some others for my father’s burial,” she confessed.
