The Delta State Police have arrested two women for purchasing a newborn baby boy for N2 million from a baby factory in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
They were to deliver the baby to the buyer in Delta State when their plan was foiled.
A commercial motorcycle rider, who overheard their conversation, diverted to a police station instead of taking them to their intended destination.
The Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bright Edafe, stated: “On 1st October 2024, around 6:30 PM, a tricycle rider (name withheld) arrived at Ekpan police station and reported that during his routine commercial rounds, four women boarded his tricycle.
When they reached Effurun Roundabout, two of the women got off. One of the women who left handed over a newborn baby boy to the two women still in the tricycle, and he overheard one of them saying the remaining balance had been paid and that they should inform her once they reached their destination.”
The tricycle rider smartly diverted the two women: Tessi Ikechukwu, and Lauretta Akomen, and the newborn baby to Ekpan Police Station where they were also arrested.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Lauretta Akomen (female) aged 38yrs bought the baby for the sum of N2,000,000 from a traditional home located in Port Harcourt where they harbour teenage girls, and got men to have sex with them till they are pregnant after which they sell the babies to people looking for children.
The suspect also disclosed that she was administered a drug for a period to make her appear pregnant.
“She subsequently guided the DPO, CSP Aliyu Shaba, and his team to the residence of a woman named Gloria (last name unknown), who served as an intermediary between her and the traditional home.”
Edafe stated that the suspects are currently in custody while a search for the other accomplices is underway.
