The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Chukwuma Onwe for allegedly selling his five-day-old baby for ₦1.5 million.
Onwe, a native of Nwezenyi-Igbeagu community in Izzi Local Government Area, was reportedly apprehended after his fiancée, Philomena Iroko, raised an alarm about his suspicious behaviour.
According to police reports, the baby was sold to one Mrs. Chinyere Ugochukwu, who has also been taken into custody.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident to journalists in Abakaliki, stating that both suspects were arrested on Friday at the Azugwu area of the capital.
“Yes, the suspect, Onwe, is currently in our custody along with the alleged buyer. The baby has been safely recovered, and investigations are ongoing,” Ukandu said.
Meanwhile, the baby’s mother, Philomena Iroko, narrated that her partner deceived her into believing he had given their child to his sister for care.
“He told me he took the baby to his sister, not knowing he sold him. Thank God the police recovered my son,” she said tearfully.
She appealed to the Ebonyi State Government and kind-hearted individuals to support her in caring for her baby, explaining that she had been abandoned.
“He promised to marry me, but it was all a lie. I have no husband and no one to help me take care of my baby,” she lamented.
The Ebonyi police command has assured the public that the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are completed.
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