The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and the parents of a newborn baby over the alleged sale of the child for ₦2.5 million.
According to police sources, the 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend allegedly decided not to keep the baby and began searching for persons who could facilitate the sale of the child after delivery.
The mother was initially taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery. However, complications during labour reportedly led to her transfer to a private hospital in Ikorodu, where the principal suspect, a 31-year-old medical doctor, performed a successful Caesarean section, saving both mother and child.
Police sources said arrangements for the sale of the newborn were allegedly concluded within the hospital premises shortly after delivery, after which the baby was handed over to an unidentified buyer for ₦2.5 million.
The deal, however, reportedly went sour after the baby’s mother raised the alarm, claiming she received only ₦700,000 out of the agreed ₦2.5 million payment.
The case is being investigated by the Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, on allegations bordering on conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking.
The medical doctor, the baby’s parents, and the traditional birth attendant are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The alleged buyer of the newborn is still at large. Police said the address and telephone number provided by the buyer were discovered to be false.
The Lagos State Police Command has assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing buyer and rescue the baby.
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