The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man, Chukwuma Onwe, for allegedly selling his five-day-old baby boy for ₦1.5 million.
Onwe, who hails from Nwezenyi-Igbeagu community in Izzi Local Government Area, was taken into custody after his partner, Philomena Iroko, raised the alarm when she discovered the child was missing.
According to reports, Iroko had initially been told by Onwe that the baby was handed over to his sister for care.
However, a concerned neighbour, sensing foul play, alerted the police, leading to Onwe’s arrest.
The baby was reportedly sold to Chinyere Ugochukwu, a woman who has also been arrested in connection with the incident.
The transaction and handover allegedly took place in the Azugwu area of Abakaliki.
SP Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Ebonyi State, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday. He said:
“Yes, Onwe is in custody, along with the alleged buyer. The child has been recovered safely, and investigations are underway.”
Speaking to reporters, Philomena Iroko, the child’s mother, expressed shock and betrayal:
“He told me he gave our baby to his sister to help with care. I had no idea he had sold our child for money.”
Iroko said she was misled by promises of marriage and stability, unaware that her partner had other plans.
“He kept telling me he would marry me. I didn’t know he was lying all along.”
Now left alone with her infant, Iroko has appealed to the public and the Ebonyi State Government for assistance:
“I have no husband, no job, and no means to care for my child. I’m pleading for support—anyone who can help, please do.”
The Ebonyi State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served and that those involved in child trafficking will face the full weight of the law.