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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued a two-day-old baby from suspected traffickers who allegedly attempted to sell the child for ₦800,000.
According to a statement released on Easter Monday, 21st of April 2025, in Uyo, Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, revealed that the suspects — one man and two women — were intercepted by operatives of the command while traveling along the Nsit Atai-Oron Road with the infant.
John stated that the newborn has been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Uyo for proper care and custody, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
John stated, “In its ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate.
“While patrolling the Nsit Atai-Oron Road, officers from the command stopped a Mazda vehicle with registration number YAB 454 AA.
“The vehicle, driven by a man identified as Bethel Anyanwu, also had two female passengers and a two-day-old baby on board.”
"Upon interrogation, the occupants could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the infant.
Following a series of interrogations, one Nasikpo Sonia Labere, a female, and Inemesit Okin Akpan, a female, confessed to being sent from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
”(They were allegedly sent) by one Waazor Godwin, a female, and one Lilian Duru, a female, to collect the baby from one Miss Grace Inyang in Oron.”
A police spokesperson stated that the investigation uncovered that a woman named Alison Eduno acted as the intermediary between the buyer and the seller.
She further reported that the police arrested the baby's grandmother, Grace Walter (55), and the mother, Blessing Walter (20), both residents of Oti Oron.
According to her, the suspects admitted to selling the baby for ₦800,000.
The PPRO stated that the suspects are in police custody and will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
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