The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a middle-aged man, Chukwuma Onwe, for allegedly selling his 5-day-old baby boy for a reported sum of ₦1.5 million.
Police spokesperson DSP Loveth Odah confirmed the arrest on Saturday, describing the case as both “disturbing and heartbreaking.”
According to the police, Onwe was apprehended following a tip-off from concerned residents who alerted authorities to the suspicious transaction. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly conspired with unidentified accomplices to sell the newborn to a buyer in a neighboring state.
“The suspect is in custody, and efforts are ongoing to locate the baby and bring all those involved to justice,” the police spokesperson said.
The incident has sparked outrage across social media, with many Nigerians condemning the act and calling for stricter enforcement of child protection laws.
Police sources say the baby’s mother is currently assisting with the investigation, while the command has assured the public that every effort will be made to rescue the child unharmed.