Lagos Police Bust Alleged Baby-Trafficking Ring as Newborn Is Sold for N2.5 Million; Doctor, Three Others Arrested
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and two other suspects over the alleged sale of a newborn baby for N2.5 million in what investigators believe may be part of a wider child-trafficking network.
Police sources disclosed that the case, initially reported at Area E Command, Festac, was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, on June 1 for an extensive investigation into allegations bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and child trafficking.
The investigation is being handled by detectives from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Gender Unit under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin.
According to findings, the baby’s 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend allegedly decided not to keep the child and sought individuals who could facilitate the sale of the baby after birth. The couple was reportedly connected to a prospective buyer in Ikorodu through intermediaries.
The expectant mother was initially taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery. However, complications during labour reportedly necessitated her transfer to a private hospital operated by one of the suspects, where a successful Caesarean section was performed, saving both mother and child.
Investigators alleged that shortly after the birth, arrangements were finalized within the hospital premises for the sale of the newborn to an unidentified buyer for N2.5 million. The baby was subsequently handed over to the buyer, who remains at large.
A police source revealed that efforts to trace the suspect have so far been unsuccessful, as the address and telephone number provided by the buyer were found to be false.
“The information supplied by the person who took the baby turned out to be non-existent. The address could not be traced, and the phone number was incorrect,” the source said.
Further investigations showed that the baby’s mother initially consented to the transaction. However, the arrangement reportedly collapsed after she allegedly received only N700,000 out of the agreed N2.5 million payment.
The matter eventually came to light when the woman raised concerns over the unpaid balance. Non-governmental organisations later became involved and reported the incident to the police, prompting a full-scale investigation.
Police identified one of the principal suspects as a 31-year-old medical doctor who has been practising for about four years. Another woman believed to have facilitated the transaction, along with the alleged buyer, is currently on the run.
During a raid on a property linked to the suspects, police reportedly discovered three young girls, two of whom were pregnant, raising suspicions of a possible baby-factory operation and leading to additional arrests.
Several suspects are currently in custody as investigators intensify efforts to locate the missing baby, apprehend fleeing suspects, and dismantle the suspected trafficking network.
The Lagos State Police Command stated that all suspects in custody would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command noted that the swift intervention of its operatives underscores the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, to combating human trafficking and other criminal activities, while ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.