By Ademola Ade
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for ₦2 million in Ibadan and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered.
The police said other suspects linked to the alleged child trafficking were still being sought.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this on Friday in a statement, explaining that the case was reported on October 15 by Mary Amos, a resident of the Ogunwade area of Ido Local Government Area, who raised the alarm over the disappearance of her granddaughter.
According to the police, the baby’s mother, identified as Cecilia, allegedly implicated the owner of the health facility, Dr Adeleke Ebenezer, 40, and Hassan Oludunni in the alleged transaction.
Cecilia reportedly told investigators that Oludunni lured her into the arrangement and facilitated the sale of the baby to Odunayo Folawewo.
Police investigations allegedly revealed that ₦2 million was paid for the child, with Cecilia receiving ₦1 million, while Adeleke and Oludunni allegedly received ₦500,000 each.
Following the investigation, the police rescued the baby and arrested Adeleke. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Folawewo and other suspects allegedly connected to the case.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, urging members of the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking promptly.
“The Oyo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons and urges members of the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking and related offences promptly,” the statement said.
